Westcliff University, a prominent leader in higher education globally, commemorated the remarkable achievements of its class of 2024 during a memorable commencement ceremony held on Friday, June 7 at the OC Great Park Championship Stadium in Irvine, California. The event, attended by close to 1,200 distinguished Westcliff graduates, featured inspiring contributions from two icons in cellular phone and wireless technology, Marty Cooper and Arlene Harris.
During the ceremony, Westcliff University surprised its esteemed guest, Marty Cooper, widely known as the “Father of the Cellphone,” with an honorary Doctorate of Technology in recognition of his visionary contributions to the field of mobile communications. Cooper, renowned for developing the first portable cellular phone, the DynaTAC, in the early 1970s, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing global communication and connectivity. His innovative spirit and entrepreneurial endeavors have earned him numerous accolades, including the Marconi Award and the prestigious Draper Prize in 2013 from the National Academy of Engineering.
Accepting the honorary doctorate, Cooper expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am thrilled, honored, and privileged to receive this honorary doctorate from Westcliff University… not only on my behalf but for the thousands of people who took my idea and turned it into the most valuable tool for collaboration in the history of mankind.”
The ceremony also featured a compelling keynote address by Arlene Harris, recognized as the “First Lady of Wireless,” who shared insights from her groundbreaking journey in wireless communications with Westcliff’s graduating class. Harris’s pioneering work in wireless technology, including inventing the first over-the-air remotely programmable wireless phones and prepaid wireless management systems, has significantly influenced global communication accessibility, particularly in developing nations. Her advocacy for women in STEM fields serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female tech leaders worldwide.
“You all have more tools to fix what’s broken and build new opportunities than ever before in history. I’d encourage you to use them toward purposeful contributions that fulfill you,” urged Harris during her impactful address to Westcliff’s 2024 graduates.
In a historic announcement, Westcliff University unveiled the Harris Cooper Scholarship during the ceremony. Named in honor of Arlene Harris and Marty Cooper, partners in both business and life, this prestigious scholarship will be awarded annually to a woman exhibiting exceptional achievements in STEM academics or enterprise solutions. The scholarship pays tribute to Cooper and Harris for their remarkable success and enduring partnership in the wireless and cellular phone technology sector while emphasizing their strong commitment to supporting and empowering women in STEM fields, nurturing the next generation of female technology leaders.
Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University, expressed his appreciation and pride in hosting such esteemed figures at the commencement ceremony. “We are honored to have Arlene Harris and Marty Cooper join us in celebrating our graduates. Their groundbreaking contributions to wireless technology serve as an inspiration to our students as they embark on their own journeys of innovation and impact.”
About Westcliff University: Founded in 1993 and headquartered in Irvine, California, Westcliff University is a pioneering global higher education institution tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s employers and the international business landscape. Offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees across 21 areas of study including business, education, computer science and engineering, technology, and law, Westcliff University is committed to operating in the best interests of its students and the community. With nearly 6,000 enrolled students from over 100 countries, its programs emphasize the essential hard and soft skills required to secure quality jobs in high-growth industries, provide hands-on community and business engagement opportunities, and deliver innovative and affordable programs through live online and classroom platforms worldwide.
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