Centenary announces commencement plans for Class of 2018
SHREVEPORT, LA — Members of the Centenary College Class of 2018 will hear from Louisiana Public Broadcasting president and CEO Elizabeth Hardy “Beth” Courtney at the College’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 5 at the Gold Dome. In her address to students graduating in Centenary’s 193rd year, Courtney will talk about the importance of preserving and promoting Louisiana’s diverse history and culture.
“Our theme for this year on campus has been sustainability,” says Dr. Christopher L. Holoman, Centenary president. “Under Beth Courtney’s leadership, Louisiana Public Broadcasting plays a critical role in our state in raising awareness on a wide range of topics and contributing to healthy dialogue on controversial issues. These activities are a key component in what we have been calling ‘civic sustainability,’ a broad concept of community engagement and improvement and an area in which we see great potential for Centenary to play a leadership role. We look forward to Beth sharing wisdom and insight from her distinguished career in public service to our state.”
Elizabeth “Beth” Hardy Courtney has served as president and CEO of Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) since 1985. During her tenure at LPB, the station has produced several award-winning documentaries, including the six-part series Louisiana: A History. Courtney also helped create, and is co-host of, “Louisiana Public Square,” a monthly public affairs program that gives citizens a chance to question experts and voice their opinions about important issues facing our state.
Courtney is former vice chair of the board of directors for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and has made numerous public appearances as an advocate and spokesperson for public broadcasting, both in testimony before Congress and on national news programs such as CBS’ Sunday Morning and CNN’s Crossfire. Courtney started her career in broadcasting as a capitol correspondent, reporting on state government and moderating numerous political debates.
Courtney earned a B.S. in history and speech and an M.A. in European history and government from Louisiana State University. She also holds an honorary doctorate from Southeastern Louisiana University and completed the University of California at Berkley’s course in public broadcasting management.
In addition to delivering the commencement address, Courtney will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Centenary during the ceremony. Jennifer Donner, garden and wellness coordinator at Shreveport’s Martin Luther King Health Center and Pharmacy, will also receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the College in recognition of the work she has done to improve and promote the Center’s garden and especially for her efforts to involve Centenary students in this important initiative.
The Gold Dome opens at 9:30 a.m. on May 5 and seating for commencement is first come, first served. The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. More information about commencement is available at centenary.edu/events/2018-commencement.