Stanford’s Dr. Laura Roberts, Philanthropist Tad Taube and Palo Alto High School’s Esther Wojcicki Set to Speak at Graduation Ceremonies

Palo Alto, Calif. (May 7, 2013) – Palo Alto University (PAU), a private non-profit higher education institution, announced today the speakers for its graduation ceremonies. Stanford University professor Laura Roberts, M.D., M.A. will address PAU’s Ph.D. and Psy.D. students on June 8. Two weeks later, philanthropist Tad Taube, and Palo Alto High School teacher Ms. Esther Wojciki will both deliver commencement addresses to PAU’s Masters and Undergraduate students on June 22.

“PAU is incredibly proud to have in our own backyard such esteemed individuals who will certainly inspire our students to do their best in life, both professionally and personally,” said PAU President Allen Calvin, Ph.D. “Our three commencement speakers have collectively made significant contributions to the local and national communities that range from medical research and academic instruction to civic service and philanthropy.”

Ph.D. and Psy.D. Programs Commencement Speaker

On June 8, Stanford University School of Medicine’s department chair Dr. Laura Roberts, will address PAU’s Doctor of Psychology and Doctor of Philosophy graduates. Dr.Roberts serves as the Chairman and Katharine Dexter McCormick and Stanley McCormick Memorial Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. A nationally renowned scholar and leader in ethics, psychiatry, and medical education, Dr. Roberts has authored or edited ten books and monographs, over 35 book chapters, and more than 225 articles in peer-reviewed journals, and currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Academic Psychiatry.

Dr. Roberts has conducted numerous empirical studies of contemporary ethics issues in medicine, science, and health policy, including research on informed consent, ethical considerations in genetic inquiry, health care and clinical investigation involving members of vulnerable populations, death and dying, professionalism education and more. A recipient of the Association for Academic Psychiatry’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Roberts earned her undergraduate, graduate, and fellowship training at the University of Chicago and her residency training at the University of New Mexico.

Masters and Undergraduate Programs Commencement Speakers

The first commencement speaker at the June 22 ceremony will be successful business leader and philanthropist, the Honorable Tad Taube. Mr. Taube is the Chairman and Founder of Woodmont companies, a diversified real estate investment and management organization, and he serves as the President of the Koret Foundation, Chairman of Taube Philanthropies and Chair of PAU’s Advisory Council. With a passion for business, philanthropy and sports, Mr. Taube has been a generous supporter of the community, both locally and internationally. In the Bay Area, his philanthropic impact spans from civic and cultural organizations to educational institutions to programs that support engagement in Jewish life. At his alma mater, Stanford University, Mr. Taube is founder and Advisory Board Chair of the Taube Center for Jewish Studies, a member of the Hoover Institution Board of Overseers and founder of the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR). His involvement in Stanford Athletics includes a principal gift to Stanford's Taube Family Tennis Stadium, substantial support of the new football stadium, and past chair of the Stanford Athletic Board. Mr. Taube was a founder of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1982 and was principal owner of the Oakland Invaders football franchise.

A former officer in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Taube has earned a number of service awards, including Poland’s highest civilian medal, the Commander’s Cross in 2004 and later was named Honorary Consul for the San Francisco peninsula region in 2007.  Mr. Taube earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Stanford University, and holds an honorary doctorate degree from the Pacific School of Psychology. For more information, please see: www.koret.org and www.taubephilanthropies.org.

PAU’s other speaker that day, Ms. Wojcicki, is well known in the Palo Alto Community for her role as an English/Journalism teacher at Palo Alto High School. Almost 30 years ago, she started with a program of just 20 students in the journalism program, and has grown it to more than 500 students today, making it one of the largest in the nation. Over the past two decades, her five award-winning student run publications have won Gold and Silver Crowns from Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the PaceMaker Award and Hall of Fame Award from National Scholastic Press, and best in national from Time Magazine in 2003.

In addition to her career in academics, Ms. Wojcicki is also President of the Friends of the Lurdes Mutola Foundation to support girls' education in Mozambique and a consultant for Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and Hewlett Foundation. She also serves as Vice Chair of Creative Commons, an organization that enables the sharing and use of creativity and knowledge, and Chair of PBS Learning Matters, a media production company that produces documentaries and reports for PBS NewsHour. Ms. Wojciki is also on the Advisory Board for University of the People.

PAU’s Ph.D. and Psy.D. Programs graduation ceremonies will occur on June 8 at Stanford’s Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, McCaw Hall and Fisher Conference Hall,326 Galvez Street, Stanford, Calif. PAU’s Masters and Undergraduate Programs ceremonies will take place on June 22 at 10:00am at De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, Calif. All questions about commencement ceremonies may be directed to William Froming, Ph.D.

About Palo Alto University

Founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology, Palo Alto University (PAU) is dedicated to improving lives through education and research anchored in psychology, clinical training and practice in a diversity of cultures, and service to communities around the world. PAU offers seven degree programs, ranging from Bachelor level to Ph.D., including a consortium with Stanford University and a Ph.D./J.D. dual degree program with Golden Gate University. The University’s faculty is ranked among the top 25 schools and universities for research productivity out of the 166 APA-accredited clinical psychology Ph.D. programs. Through the University's Gronowski Center, PAU offers mental health services to the community at-large regardless of ability to pay. PAU is a 501(c)(3), non-profit institution.