Angelo State University Welcomes Guest Speaker for Fall Commencement

Angelo State University welcomes U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Eric Coy Young to deliver the commencement address during the fall graduation ceremonies in the Junell Center/Stephens Arena on December 12, said a press release Thursday.

Young, who is a 1984 graduate of ASU, will address the graduates of the College of Education and the Archer College of Health and Human Services during the 10 a.m. ceremony. Additionally, he will speak to the graduates of the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business at the 2 p.m. ceremony. Between the two graduation exercises, close to 500 ASU graduates are expected to walk the stage.

Young is a native of Abilene and has been commander of the U.S. Navy Reserve Forces Command in Norfolk, Virginia since September of 2014. He has also served as the deputy chief of the Navy Reserve from 2012-14. During his 30-year Navy career, Young has completed both sea and shore assignments.

These assignments include Deputy director of Training Transformation and Technology in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; commanding officer of the Navy Operational Support Center in San Diego, California; manpower and personnel director for Naval Reserve Readiness Command South; manpower analyst in the Surface Warfare Directorate; and commanding officer of Naval Reserve Centers in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Young has received numerous medals and decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various unit and campaign awards.

Information on the fall commencement ceremonies at ASU can be found at www.angelo.edu/commencement.