Kansas City University (KCU) is proud to announce that United States Army Lieutenant General Laura J. Richardson will serve as a keynote speaker for KCU’s 2021 commencement ceremonies to be held in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday, May 8, 2021 and Joplin, Missouri, on Sunday, May 9, 2021. Dr. Ely, KCU alumnus and president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) will open the ceremony with a special greeting on behalf of AOA.
Lt. Gen. Laura J. Richardson is the Commanding General of U.S. Army North (Fifth Army). Under her command, the U.S. Army North is active in multiple defense and security initiatives including COVID-19 pandemic response missions.
In March 2021, President Biden celebrated International Women’s Day with the nomination of two women to four stars: Lt. Gen. Richardson and Air Force General Jacqueline Van Ovost.
“Each of these women have led careers demonstrating incomparable skill, integrity, and duty to country,” President Biden said during a March 8 press conference. “And at every step, they’ve also helped push open the doors of opportunity to women in our military, blazing the trail, a little wider, a little brighter, for all proud women following their path and looking to their example.”
KCU is honored to note that during her keynote addresses at KCU’s 2021 commencement ceremonies this May, KCU graduates will not only gain insight from an accomplished leader with an esteemed military career but also from a fellow member of the KCU family – Lt. Gen. Richardson is the daughter of KCU alumnus Darwin Strickland, DO, and Suzanne Strickland. Dr. Strickland is a graduate of the KCU College of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 1965, and both he and Suzanne remain active and dedicated supporters of KCU and our students.
