DANBURY, CONN. — Connecticut Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, whose executive and legislative service in state government spans a quarter of a century, will deliver the keynote address at Western Connecticut State University’s graduate commencement on Friday, May 11, 2012.

Wyman will address 2012 recipients of WCSU master’s and doctoral degrees and their invited guests during the commencement ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the Feldman Arena of the O’Neill Athletic and Convocation Center on the university’s Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury. The event will be hosted by the WCSU Division of Graduate Studies.

“Few in the state’s history can match the contribution that Lt. Gov. Wyman has made over the years” WCSU President James W. Schmotter observed. “Her outstanding public service is a role model for our students, and I know they will enjoy and gain value from her remarks.”

Wyman has served as Connecticut lieutenant governor since January 2011, playing an important role in a wide range of policy initiatives by the administration of Gov. Dannel Malloy ranging from budget management to pension funding reform. Prior to her election as the state’s second-highest executive officer, she served for 16 years as state comptroller, implementing stricter accounting standards in state finances and overseeing modernization of the computer system used to run the state’s core financial operations. As comptroller, Wyman also championed establishment of the state-sponsored HUSKY program providing health insurance coverage for children and families in Connecticut.

Wyman entered public service in 1979 as a member of the board of education in Tolland, where she has resided with her family for 39 years. She served from 1987 to 1995 in the Connecticut House as state representative for the 53rd District, including tenures as chairperson of the House education committee and the appropriations subcommittee on elementary and secondary education. The Connecticut Education Association cited her as “Legislator of the Year” in honor of her work on education issues.

During her tenure as comptroller, she received honorary recognitions from the Connecticut State Medical Society, Connecticut Federation of Business and Professional Women, Council of Small Towns, and Connecticut Coalition of Police and Corrections Officers.

Wyman has participated extensively in charitable and community service activities focusing on veterans, health and safety issues. She took a leadership role in raising private donations to create the Wall of Honor and annual memorial ceremony in the state capitol paying tribute to Connecticut members of the U.S. armed forces who have lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan. She also has been active in Connecticut fundraising efforts to benefit breast cancer research, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the American Heart Association and the National Kidney Foundation.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

 

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