Marine Corps Commandant to give commencement
MOSCOW,
Idaho – Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps and
University of Idaho alumnus, General James F.
Amos will visit his alma mater May 12 to inspire
the Class of 2012 with the commencement address.Amos will give the spring commencement address to 1,432 graduates on Saturday, May 12 at 9:30 a.m. in the ASUI Kibbie-Activity Center.
On October 1, 2010, Gen. Amos was confirmed by the U.S. Senate for the post of Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, making him responsible for over 240,000 active duty and reserve Marines and sailors.
He is the highest-ranking Vandal in our nation’s military history and the first aviator to become commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.
All degree candidates participating in the ceremony must line up for the procession dressed in their regalia by 8:15 a.m., along University Avenue near the Administration lawn.
“It is an honor to host the General and Mrs. Amos here at the University of Idaho. We are proud of his accomplishments and believe he will inspire our students to go out into the world and make a difference,” said university president, M. Duane Nellis.
A native of the small north Idaho town of Wendell, Amos was active in the Navy ROTC program and graduated in 1970 with a degree in finance/business and economics.
After graduation Amos began a distinguished military career serving around the world in both peacetime and war.
“When I was a student, I never once imagined that I’d be back more than 40 years later as a commencement speaker,” said Amos. “My experiences here at the University of Idaho provided me a great education, and my time in the Marine Corps taught me leadership at the post-graduate level. Combined, both experiences prepared me well to meet life’s challenges. I’ve been privileged to lead Marines around the world, and am honored to be invited back to speak to my fellow Vandals as they graduate. Our nation has always needed selfless and serving leaders, and it’s my hope that the class of 2012 will step up and serve our great nation in some capacity.”
As active members of the Vandal family, Amos and his wife, Bonnie, support Operation Education, a scholarship program designed to help permanently disabled veterans and/or their spouses who seek to attain a degree at the University of Idaho. In November 2010, Bonnie was named co-honorary chair, along with Ruthie Nellis, for Operation Education.
The event is free and open to the public. Seating is available first-come, first serve; no tickets are required. Family, friends and faculty are invited to individual college celebrations that will take place at various locations immediately following the ceremony. Additional commencement information, including parking, lodging and maps are available at www.uidaho.edu/commencement.