La Sierra University, during its graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 17 will recognize two individuals with honorary degrees for their extensive contributions to society and to the university.
Rose Mayes, executive director of the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc. and Robert Krone, president and co-founder of the Kepler Space Institute in Tallahassee, Fla. will each be presented with a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
La Sierra’s graduation ceremony will be held at 8 a.m. on the university’s Founder’s Green. As of June 5, the university anticipates awarding 512 degrees to 496 graduates.
Mayes, a community leader and activist, has led the Fair Housing Council since 1993. The HUD-approved nonprofit organization advocates for the housing rights of all individuals. Mayes possesses more then 30 years’ experience in civil rights, community activism and business management. She has served on numerous boards and commissions including as a board member with the La Sierra University Foundation since its inception in 2002. She is a co-founder and past president of the Riverside African American Historical Society, the guiding force behind the newly formed Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California for which she serves as board vice president. She is currently spearheading a capital campaign for the construction of the $38 million Mission Heritage Plaza which will include 72 low-income apartments along with community meeting space and Fair Housing Council and Civil Rights Institute headquarters.
Mayes, who holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management and business education has received numerous commendations and awards. They include this year’s Dr. Carlos E. Cortés Award for Championing Diversity and Inclusivity from the city of Riverside, the 61st Assembly District’s 2015 Woman of the Year award, and the 2010 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce. Prior to her career in the fair housing sector, she worked 10 years for the Wall Street Journal where she climbed from part-time clerk to assistant circulation manager.
Krone, a consultant in advanced management theory and practice is an emeritus professor of the University of Southern California where he taught systems management for many years. He holds a doctorate in philosophy and political science and a master’s degree in public and international affairs. He received numerous medals and commendations for his service as a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, commander and international staff officer during the Vietnam War. He has written and co-authored nine books and 80 professional journal articles. The Kepler Space Institute which he leads is dedicated to the expansion of human civilization from Earth to space.
Between 1992 and 2007 Krone served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Strategic Management at La Sierra’s Zapara School of Business lecturing on strategic planning, electronic distance learning, systems analysis, policy formulation, and organization theory. He forged ties with La Sierra through the late Paul Cone, a former business professor who knew of Krone’s work at USC. In addition to teaching, Krone helped guide the development of La Sierra University’s first strategic plan and served on various committees.
Since 1992, La Sierra University has awarded various honorary doctorates to 32 individuals.
“One of the highlights of graduation, in addition to celebrating the achievements of our wonderful and inspiring students, is the ability to honor and showcase members of our society whose contributions are exemplary and whose lives serve as models for our graduates as they move out into the world to make contributions of their own,” said La Sierra University President Randal Wisbey. “We are very pleased this year to bestow honorary doctorates on two individuals whose extensive service to their communities and to this nation, including their instrumental involvement with our university, reflects the core values guiding La Sierra’s mission.”
La Sierra University’s commencement address will be given by Marilene B. Wang, a surgeon, professor, and center director at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine. An otolaryngologist and head and neck medicine specialist, Wang leads the school’s Nasal and Sinus Disease Center. She is also a professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery where she operates a head and neck cancer research lab.
Wang is an alumna of La Sierra where she earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in mathematics in 1982. She has served on the university’s Board of Trustees since 2012. She earned her medical degree from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine where she graduated first in her class. She has received numerous awards for her commitment to education and medicine.
The university will also present awards to selected undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff members during its graduation ceremony.