4/25/2019

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FAYETTE, Iowa (April 25, 2019) – An Upper Iowa University alumna and champion in the field of hearing healthcare will deliver the commencement address during the University’s graduation ceremonies at Harms-Eischeid Stadium in Fayette, Iowa, on Saturday, May 4.

A native of Fosston, Minnesota, Lisa (Maanum) Richards ‘93 currently serves as chief experience officer for Starkey Hearing Technologies in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. As part of her duties, Richards provides strategic direction for a team of over 140 members.  Highly energized and focused on cross-departmental process improvement, she coaches and develops team members, and ensures that teams across the organization deliver exceptional customer experiences that create customers for life.

“The education that I received at UIU opened doors to a career that I truly love,” Richards said. “I have been appreciative of each opportunity to build on the foundation laid by my UIU education through the years.”

Richards earned bachelor’s degrees in marketing and psychology at UIU. She and her husband, Steve, reside in Monticello, Minnesota. The couple has five children and one granddaughter. Lisa volunteers at her church, where she serves on the executive leadership team.  She also serves on the Youth Investment Foundation board of directors.

“It is an honor to come back to the UIU Campus to lead the commencement address,” Richards said.  “I have so many fond memories of the Campus, my UIU experiences, and friendships that started there. I am anxious to see how the campus has continued to change over the years.”

Approximately 600students are participating in the 2019 UIU Commencement ceremonies. Graduates of the University’s MBA, School of Business, and School of Science and Mathematics programs will participate in a 10 a.m. ceremony. This ceremony also includes associate degrees with an emphasis in General Business. A separate ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. for MPA, MSC, MEd, MSA, Andres School of Education, and School of Liberal Arts graduates. Associate degrees with an emphasis in Liberal Arts, Criminal Justice and Psychology will also be awarded during this program.

To facilitate travel plans, the University will use the weather forecast as of Wednesday, May 1, to make its decision on whether to relocate the ceremony indoors. Any relocation announcement will be posted on the homepage of the UIU website at uiu.edu. Only in an emergency would the decision be made on Saturday to relocate the ceremony.

In the case of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be moved to Dorman Gymnasium at Fayette Campus.  All seating is on a first-come basis. An overflow viewing area will be located in the Student Center ballrooms. Guests at this location can view the full ceremonies on live video. Live streaming of the broadcast may also be viewed on the day of commencement at uiu.edu.

For additional information about Upper Iowa University’s 2019 Commencement ceremonies, including concessions, dining, parking, shuttle services, lodging, and stadium rules, visit uiu.edu/support/commencement.html.