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Walsh College Commencement Keynoter Jeffrey D. Bergeron Will Receive Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree

Walsh College will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Jeffrey D. Bergeron, retired managing partner, Ernst & Young L.L.P., Detroit, and keynote speaker at the College’s 103rdcommencement ceremonies, on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Zion Christian Church, Troy.

Under Bergeron’s leadership, the Ernst & Young Detroit office successfully integrated the former Arthur Andersen Detroit office, making it the fourth-largest accounting firm in southeastern Michigan.

At the event, Bergeron joins Aubrey W. Lee, Sr., retired banker and member of the Walsh College Board of Trustees, previously announced as an honorary Doctor of Laws degree recipient.

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“Jeff’s leadership and passion for the accounting profession is exceeded only by his support and enthusiasm for Walsh students and the College’s high-quality academic programs that prepare them for successful business careers,” said Richard D. Aginian, chair, Walsh College Board of Trustees. 

“In addition, Jeff is an effective role model for men and women regarding the importance of integrating personal lives into their professional careers, guiding them through the inevitable highs and lows with empathy and compassion,” Aginian noted.

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Bergeron graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor of business administration degree (BBA) in accounting in 1975.  He later joined the Arthur Andersen firm, earned partnership in 1986, and served as the managing partner of the firm’s Detroit office from 1999 to 2002.  He joined Ernst & Young in 2002, growing the office from 225 employees to more than 500 in 2013.

“Walsh College sets a benchmark for business education in southeastern Michigan.  Its faculty, students, and alumni reflect that quality every day,” said Bergeron.   “I appreciate and value this fine honor.”

Bergeron is known for his dedication to building a better community.  He presently serves as chairman of the board, United Way of Southeastern Michigan.  In 2011, serving as chair of the organization’s Campaign Cabinet, Bergeron helped secure a record-breaking, $27.1 million corporate gift from the General Motors Foundation.  The grant was the largest in the Foundation’s history.

“Helping to build healthy, strong companies serves the public interest by helping communities grow and prosper,” said Bergeron.  “It creates opportunities for employees, customers, and citizens to take part in the revitalization of our region.”

He has also served on several civic and community boards, including the Detroit Economic Club, Junior Achievement, Detroit Regional Chamber, and the Citizens Research Council of Michigan. 

He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants in 2010. 

For more information on Walsh College, visit www.walshcollege.edu.

WALSH COLLEGE
Founded in 1922, Walsh College is a private, not for profit institution offering upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs.  One of Southeast Michigan’s largest business schools, Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh’s business services division offers the Walsh Institute, which provides solutions for businesses through training, continuing education, and consulting.                                                         

Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456) and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE, www.iacbe.org). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org) accredits specific degree programs.

 

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CONTACTS:
Brenda Meller/Assistant Vice President, Walsh College bmeller@walshcollege.edu or 248.823.1205.


Alicia Boltach/Account Supervisor, Airfoil Public Relations boltach@airfoilgroup.com or 248.304.1453.

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