Willis “Bill” Rambo graduated in 1964 and has the distinction of being Walsh University’s first-ever registered student.
On May 4, 2024, Walsh University will be holding its usual graduation ceremonies, though this year, the occasion will be even more special. The school’s first-ever registered student, Willis “Bill” Rambo, who graduated in 1964, will be returning for the 2024 ceremony to serve as the commencement speaker and to receive his honorary doctorate in Business.
According to an article on Walsh University’s website, Rambo said he is looking forward to returning to campus for the special occasion. He is quoted as saying, “I am deeply honored to return to Walsh University as the 2024 Commencement Speaker. My experiences at Walsh, particularly the mentorship of the Brothers, have profoundly shaped my life and career. I look forward to sharing my reflections and insights with the graduating class as they embark on their own journeys.”
Rambo was part of Walsh University’s first graduating class, which consisted of 47 students. An invitation is being extended to other members of the Class of 1964 to attend the ceremonies on what will be the 60th anniversary of their own graduation. The Brothers of Christian Instruction, the founding Order of Walsh University, is also invited to attend.
In addition to the graduation ceremony being extra special for the first graduating class of Walsh University, it will also be an extra special occasion for the Class of 2024, whose high school graduation ceremonies likely did not commence as usual due to the global pandemic.
Following his graduation from the university in 1964, Rambo served in the National Guard and went on to lead an impressive career in insurance until his retirement in 2000.
The Rambo family is full of Walsh University alumni. The family has also lent financial support to numerous initiatives around the university, including the Rambo Family Advanced Nursing Lab, The Rambo Family Endowed Scholarship, the Rambo Global Health Scholars Program, the Bill Rambo Admissions Center, and endowing the Trina Rambo R.N., Dean’s Chair of the Byers School of Nursing.
The 2024 graduation ceremonies will be held on May 4 in the Cecchini Health and Wellness Complex.
For more information about Walsh University, visit the school’s website.