CSUF Commencement 2012

Martha J. Kanter, undersecretary of education, and John Berry, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, will be the keynote speakers for Cal State Fullerton’s 2012 Commencement ceremonies.

Berry will step to the podium Saturday, May 19, while Kanter will address attendees at the Sunday, May 20, ceremony. Both programs begin at 8 a.m. on the sports fields north of Titan Gym.

As director of the Office of Personnel Management — a position he has held since 2009 — Berry is responsible for recruiting, hiring and setting benefits policies for 1.9 million federal civilian employees. With more than 20 years of experience in the federal government, he has served in a wide range of positions, including as director of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and as director of the National Zoo.

During the Clinton administration, he was deputy assistant secretary and acting assistant secretary for law enforcement at the Treasury Department. He also was assistant secretary for policy, management and budget at the Interior Department.

He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in government and politics. In 1981, he earned a master's degree in public administration from Syracuse University.

Undersecretary Martha J. Kanter

Kanter, nominated and confirmed as undersecretary of education in 2009, oversees policies, programs and activities related to postsecondary education, adult and career-technical education, federal student aid and five White House Initiatives on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, Educational Excellence for Hispanics, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities and Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Prior to her appointment, Kanter was chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District and was the first community college leader to be named to the undersecretary position.

She began her education career first as a teacher at alternative high schools in Massachusetts and New York, then established the first program for students with learning disabilities at San Jose City College. Kanter has served as director, dean and vice chancellor for policy and research for the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office in Sacramento; vice president of instruction and student services at San Jose City College; as president of De Anza College, a post she held for 10 years.

In 2011, Kanter was appointed to the U.S. National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a federal advisory committee to the State Department that supports worldwide humanitarian development and values by coordinating efforts and delivering expert advice on issues of education, science, communications and culture.

Undersecretary Kanter holds a doctorate in organization and leadership from the University of San Francisco. She received her master’s degree in education with a concentration in clinical psychology and public practice from Harvard University, and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Brandeis University.

Commencement May 19-20

Universitywide commencement ceremonies begin at 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 19 and 20. No tickets are needed for admission to the main ceremonies, and the public is invited. College and department celebrations and exercises will follow at various locations throughout campus, where tickets are required for guests.

Additional details are available online.

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Media Contacts:      

Pamela McLaren, 657-278-4852

Paula Selleck, 657-278-4856