YSU fall commencement speakers announced

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown State University alumna Linda Gooden, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions business area and an officer of Lockheed Martin Corp., will be keynote speaker at YSU’s Fall Commencement at 2 p.m. Sunday in Beeghly Center.

The featured student speaker is April Hauser of Andover.

More than 600 students are expected to receive degrees at the ceremony.

IS&GS, formed in 2007 as one of four principal business areas within Lockheed Martin, provides integrated information technology solutions, systems and services to support worldwide missions for civil, defense, intelligence and other government customers.

IS&GS operates in all 50 states and about 20 countries and generated nearly $10 billion in sales in 2010.

Gooden earned a bachelor’s degree in computer technology from YSU and completed post-baccalaureate studies at San Diego State University.

She also has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from the University of Maryland, University College.

In 2005, Gooden was awarded an honorary doctor of public service degree from the University of Maryland University College in recognition of her service to the community and to higher education and an honorary doctorate in law from Morgan State University.

Gooden successfully completed the Executive Program Manager course at the Defense Systems Management College in 1998.

Gooden was inducted into the prestigious Career Communications Hall of Fame in 2011.

In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed her to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

That same year, Fortune magazine named her one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. In 2009, Black Enterprise magazine featured her in its 100 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America.

Hauser, who graduates with a bachelor’s degree in applied science, was a student in Youngstown Early College, having graduated high school with 45 college credits completed and beginning her YSU career as a sophomore.

She has worked as a lifeguard on campus at Beeghly Natatorium and part-time at an assisted-living home in her hometown. Hauser also volunteers at Youngstown Municipal Court as a member of the Veterans Court Team.

She credits her experience at YSU with providing her with many opportunities including: learning from many inspiring professors, getting involved with different aspects of student life, and most importantly, providing the steppingstone to further her education.

After graduation, Hauser plans to attend law school and has applied to several schools with the intention of pursuing a career in criminal prosecution.