News Harris-Stowe State University For Immediate Release Contact: Courtney McCall (314) 340-3391 mccallc@hssu.edu<mailto:mccallc@hssu.edu> Keynoter Delivers Address on 30-year Anniversary of His Own Graduation from HSSU Col. Steven Liddy serves as the keynote speaker at his son's graduation ceremony ST. LOUIS, MO (May 27, 2014) - Harris-Stowe State University alumnus Colonel Steven T. Liddy of the United States Air Force delivered the keynote address to 130 students for the university's 157th Commencement Convocation, Saturday, May 17, 2014, at 11 a.m. Especially meaningful for Col. Liddy, this year's commencement convocation included Colonel Liddy's son Michael, who received his bachelor of science degree in business. "While I am humbled and honored to serve as keynote, this is a special opportunity for me to share the stage briefly with my son, who will be graduating with honors," said Col. Liddy. "I am very proud of my son. He is carrying on a family tradition, as both I and his mother are Harris-Stowe alums." During a graduation awards ceremony the Friday prior to commencement, Col. Liddy received a doctorate of humane letters and shared the story of how he followed his wife to Harris-Stowe, and never looked back. He reflected on the experience he had on Harris-Stowe's campus and the fact that everyone he encountered on campus influenced his college career in some way. He acknowledged that without HSSU, he would not have had such a dynamic educational foundation. "I credit my education as the impetus which has allowed me to achieve success in various career fields within the service," said Col. Liddy. Col. Liddy entered the United States Air Force in 1985 as a graduate of the Parks College ROTC program. He cites diversity and adversity as major influences that helped propel him to his current position of the commandant of the Headquarters Reserve National Security Space Institute. This premier center of excellence in space education and training for the National Security Space community reports to the 310th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base in Colorado. In this position Col. Liddy oversees subject matter experts in all fields of space education. Over the years his impressive military career includes success in multiple Air Force specialty areas from Intelligence, Force Support, Space and Missile Operations, as well as Program Management, and he has served in numerous locations both in the United States and abroad. Col. Liddy earned his bachelor's degree in education from Harris-Stowe State College in 1984 and his MBA from the University of Missouri - Columbia in 1989. Amid his many honors and achievements he was named a member of the Harris-Stowe Distinguished Alumni in 1993. Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a fully accredited four-year institution that offers 14 degree programs in the areas of teacher education, business and arts & sciences. In 2013, HSSU ranked No. 1 in the state in degree production of African-Americans in mathematics (Missouri Department of Higher Education). The university, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable bachelor's degree in the state of Missouri. Cutlines: Father and son: Interim President Constance Gully and commencement keynote speaker Col. Steven Liddy present Michael Liddy with his bachelor's degree. Michael Liddy stands to be recognized as the interim president informs the audience that Liddy's father will deliver the keynote address. Graduate Michael Liddy sits with his peers during the 2014 commencement convocation. ### Courtney Z. McCall Harris-Stowe State University Associate Vice President of University Relations HGA 110 3026 Laclede Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103 Ofc: (314) 340-3391