Alumna to speak at 2016 commencement

An Upper Iowa University alumna and UIU Board of Trustee from Coral Springs, Fla., will deliver the commencement address during the University’s 154^th commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 7.

Mary Cheddie, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, who received her master’s degree at UIU in 2008, was elected to the UIU Board of Trustees in October 2015. Cheddie is a recognized business leader and in February was awarded the “2016 Excellence in Human Resource Award for Hospitality” by South Florida Business & Wealth. Business Leader Magazine previously named the UIU guest speaker a “Women Extraordinaire” and in 2012 the National Diversity Council presented her with the “Glass Ceiling Award.”

Cheddie currently serves as senior vice president of human resources for Interval Leisure Group, a leading provider of vacation services. She has more than 25 years of domestic and international experience in all aspects of human resources and training. Prior to joining Interval, Cheddie served as senior vice president, people with PRC, as well as vice president, human resources, strategic planning, office services, and facilities for The Orvis Company, Inc. in Manchester, Vt.

In addition to previously serving as chair for the Keiser Career College’s Advisory Board, Cheddie served on the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) board of directors from 2003-2008 and chaired the organization’s governance and compensation committees. She also served on the Waldorf College Alumni Board from 2004-2008 and was president of the Dallas HR Association in 2000.

Upper Iowa University commencement ceremonies on May 7 in Fayette will recognize students who have completed their degree requirements at all UIU locations and through all UIU programs. Upper Iowa graduates of the MBA, School of Business, and School of Science and Mathematics programs will participate in the 10 a.m. ceremony, while the MPA, School of Liberal Arts, Med, MHEA, and Andres School of Education ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. Both ceremonies will be held at Harms-Eischeid Stadium in Fayette.

In the case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved inside Dorman Gymnasium. All seating is on a “first-come” basis. Overflow seating and video will be available in the Student Center Ballroom.

Additional UIU Commencement information will be released as the event draws near.