Paralympian Kerri Morgan to Speak at Fontbonne Commencement

ST. LOUIS – Kerri Morgan, an accomplished athlete, a 2012 Paralympic bronze medalist, and a university educator, will serve as guest speaker at Fontbonne University’s May commencement. Morgan will receive an honorary doctorate of humane letters at the ceremony, which will be held Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m. in the Dunham Student Activity Center, 6800 Wydown Blvd., St. Louis.

“We are honored to have Kerri Morgan as our May 2013 commencement speaker,” said Dr. Dennis C. Golden, Fontbonne president. “At Fontbonne, our students, faculty and staff strive to serve a world in need, and Ms. Morgan is a great representative of that mission. She sets an example of unfaltering perseverance, determination and leadership, not only for our students, but for the world at large.”

Morgan holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Washington University in St. Louis, where she is an instructor in the Department of Neurology and Program in Occupational Therapy. Currently, Morgan is pursuing a doctorate degree in movement science from Washington University.

In 2008, Morgan traveled to Beijing where she placed fifth in the 100- and 200-meter events at the Paralympic Games. At the 2012 Paralympics in London, Morgan achieved a podium finish, this time earning bronze medals in the 100- and 200-meter events. Morgan also holds the distinction of being the first woman named to the U.S. Quad Rugby Team. 

Isabella Liu, of Taipei, Taiwan, will serve as the commencement student speaker. She will graduate summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in speech-language pathology. Additionally, the Fontbonne Alumni Association will recognize Carlos Duran, of Maryland Heights, Mo., with the Alumni Hood Award. Duran will graduate magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communication studies.

Fontbonne University is a Catholic coeducational institution of higher education offering liberal arts and professional programs, as well as evening and online formats for busy adults. Fontbonne was founded in 1923 and is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.