BVU Announces Gov. Reynolds As 2019 Commencement Speaker

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Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds

STORM LAKE, IA (05/03/2019) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) has announced that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds will serve as the 2019 Commencement speaker on Saturday, May 25.

Reynolds was appointed the state's 43rd governor in May 2017 after rising from positions as county treasurer, state senator, and lieutenant governor. She was then elected governor in November 2018. As Iowa's first woman to hold the position, Reynolds' top priorities are creating good-paying jobs, cutting taxes, investing in public schools, and increasing opportunity in every part of the state.

"It's an honor to be part of such an important milestone that's so meaningful for the graduates and their families," says Gov. Reynolds. "I'm looking forward to addressing Buena Vista University's Class of 2019 and encouraging them to serve, empower, and transform their communities. These students represent our state's future."

Reynolds is a fifth-generation Iowan who proudly earned her bachelor's degree at the age of 57. Along with traditional bachelor's degree students, BVU's Commencement will celebrate 400 adult learners who will have completed their bachelor's and master's degrees.

"It is a great honor to welcome Governor Reynolds to campus for the 2019 Commencement address," says BVU President Joshua D. Merchant. "Not only will her working class, rural Iowa roots resonate with those receiving their hard-earned degrees, but her experiences and vision for the future of Iowa will be of great interest to our graduates."

In August, Reynolds named Merchant to serve on the Governor's Empower Rural Iowa Initiative Task Force named Investing in Rural Iowa.

A member of Gov. Reynolds' executive council, Mike Naig, spoke to his BVU education and pursuit of success while delivering the 2018 Commencement address. Reynolds named Naig, a 2000 BVU graduate, to lead the Iowa Department of Agriculture in February 2018. He was elected Iowa Secretary of Agriculture in November.

As Governor of Iowa, Reynolds is committed to leading efforts in advocating for rural opportunities in Iowa and around the globe, energy efficiency, water quality, and expanding economic opportunities for middle class families and small businesses.

Reynolds grew up in St. Charles. She and her husband, Kevin Reynolds, have been married for nearly 36 years and have three daughters and 10 grandchildren.

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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