Latest news with #Brauer
Otago Daily Times
4 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Man who killed German backpacker eligible for parole
It has been almost 20 years since a young German backpacker was murdered in a picnic area of a national park. The death of Birgit Brauer, whose body was found in Lucy's Gully, near Ōakura, southwest of New Plymouth, shocked two nations and led to an 18-day manhunt for her killer, Michael Scott Wallace. Wallace, then a 44-year-old drug-taking transient with an extensive criminal history, went on to deny the murder but was found guilty by a jury. He was sentenced in 2007 to life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 18 years. This month, he became eligible for parole and, despite the time that has passed, the 63-year-old is still refusing to admit to killing Brauer. Wallace made his first appearance before the Parole Board on May 14, at which he sought parole but was denied. The panel determined he had "a long way ahead to go" before he could be released. Wallace did not have an approved address at which he could reside if paroled, nor did he have a release proposal. The board's decision, released to NZME this week, stated Wallace has not been motivated to complete recommended treatments and was considered to still be in the rehabilitative phase of his sentence. It was also noted that he would undergo a formal assessment of psychopathy. Wallace recently refused to discuss his criminal history with a psychologist, and while the decision stated he had at some point claimed he could not remember the murder, he told the board that was no longer his stance. "He now says that he did not commit the offending," according to the decision, which was the position he took at trial. The fatal hitchhiking trip On September 20, 2005, Brauer and Wallace's paths fatally crossed in the tiny town of Waitōtara. There, she was picked up hitchhiking by Wallace as she travelled between Whanganui and New Plymouth. He drove her to Lucy's Gully in Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki, formerly known as Egmont National Park, and bludgeoned her with a metal bar before unbuttoning her jeans, likely with sexual intent. When Wallace was disturbed by a passing vehicle, he dragged Brauer into the bush and stabbed her in the chest. Her body was later found by a jogger. Wallace disposed of evidence and eventually made his way to the Manawatū area, where, almost three weeks later, he was arrested. He told police at the time that he did not want to hurt people, but he had, and he would be better off if police had shot him. Meanwhile, Brauer's body was returned to Germany. She was described by those who knew her as reserved yet open, honest and friendly. Brauer knew how to enjoy herself; she had a good sense of humour and was sometimes cheeky. She was drawn to New Zealand by a love of nature and geography and soon became a keen All Blacks fan. Brauer loved New Zealanders' down-to-earth attitude and believed she was safe hitchhiking. At Wallace's sentencing, Brauer's parents told the court that the events of 2005 would never leave them. "To this day, we cannot believe Birgit is not with us. A criminal like him does not deserve to live," they said in their victim impact statement. The unforgettable case A former top Taranaki detective said he wasn't surprised Wallace still denied killing the 28-year-old tourist, who had been on a working holiday in New Zealand when she was murdered. Grant Coward became a household name when he led the high-profile investigation into the murder, during which he made a "we will catch you" promise to the killer. Speaking to NZME this week, Coward, who received the Commissioner of Police's Silver Merit Award in 2008 for his role in the inquiry, recalled the murder as being callous and cold-blooded. Now retired, Coward said the case had been "a real whodunit", and it was a team effort to track Wallace and help bring him to justice. "It took longer than normal, but we got there in the end." He said it was difficult to know if, or when, Wallace should be released. But, he believed that if Wallace was not rehabilitative or admitting fault, he should have an extended period of imprisonment. Coward said he had not maintained contact with Brauer's family, but she would be in his thoughts forever. "I reflect on the cases that I've worked on, and she's right up there as someone who you remember, because of what happened." Brauer was also someone Caryl Blomkvist remembered from time to time. She and her husband, Fritz Blomkvist, hosted Brauer at their Whanganui farm in the final two weeks of her life, as part of the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms. When Brauer left, the Blomkvists dropped her off at the edge of Whanganui so she could begin her hitchhiking journey, but not without a warning. "We told her she shouldn't hitchhike," Blomkvist recalled when speaking to NZME this week. "Then a cop came and banged on our door at 11pm that night. We were pretty shocked." Blomkvist said Brauer's death was a traumatic time for everyone who knew her. "We still think about her," she said, describing Brauer as pleasant and hardworking. "She was no trouble. She spent her time quietly doing what we expected of her, very well. And she enjoyed reading her books and writing. "She wasn't living a party life at all; she liked the quiet life and enjoyed being on the farm." Blomkvist remained in contact with Brauer's mother, whom she said was a strong woman. Brauer's father has since died. Blomkvist preferred not to comment on Wallace, only to say that what he did to Brauer was undeserved. She said that she and her husband do not support him ever being released on parole. The unmotivated prisoner After Wallace's conviction for murder, it was revealed he had an extensive criminal history dating back to dishonesty offending in 1976, as well as arson and violence. In particular, he twice raped a woman in 1983, after attacking her husband and locking him in a closet. He served a five-year sentence of imprisonment for the home invasion and sex attack before later committing armed robbery and being sent back to prison. According to the recent parole decision, Wallace acknowledged at the hearing that he was guilty of his other crimes. "It would be useful to understand from him why he thinks he committed that offending, even if he continues to deny the index murder offence," the board's decision stated. While Wallace, who has not had any misconducts during his current sentence, was initially reluctant to speak with a psychologist in April for a risk assessment, he did, but refused to discuss his offending. The psychologist's report detailed a long history of alcohol and drug use and referred to a formal assessment of psychopathy to be conducted. Wallace, who has reimmersed himself in Te Ao Māori while in prison, has completed sessions with a one-to-one departmental psychologist, and a special treatment unit for high-risk violent offenders has been suggested. But there were impediments to Wallace entering such treatment, including his denial of the murder and his belief that he would not work well in a group setting. In the meantime, he will continue to undergo one-to-one treatment. The board found it was important Wallace also complete a drug treatment programme, despite not being motivated to do so. "Overall, Mr Wallace is still considered to be in the rehabilitative phase of his sentence, and therefore rehabilitation must be a priority." An updated psychological risk assessment was ordered before his next parole hearing, scheduled for next year. "So that the assessment is useful, we encourage Mr Wallace to discuss his offending history with the psychologist." - Tara Shaskey, Open Justice reporter
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Leaked Tesla policy should infuriate Tesla loyalists
Thanks to the work of Apple, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and others in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Silicon Valley became the engine of industrial growth for the U.S. Besides all of the useful technology that came out of that era, one of the things some of the companies also mastered was brand loyalty. People love their technology. Especially when they first debuted, smartphones became a part of people's personalities. Related: Tesla rival makes huge announcement about what's coming in 2026 Like other cultural touchstones, the type of phone you carried said a lot about you. You were either the business-focused, rat-race-running, stuck-up Blackberry user or the laid-back, young, carefree Apple user. It's the type of branding other industries dream of because brand loyalty is something you can't buy. Either your customers love your products, or they don't. While Blackberry phones eventually went the way of the Dodo, to this day, Apple's brand loyalty causes envy. Apple's Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 72, which measures customer satisfaction and retention, is one of the highest in the tech industry. Tesla (TSLA) was born in Silicon Valley, and still, CEO Elon Musk insists that you treat his electric vehicle maker like a Silicon Valley tech company, not like a traditional auto manufacturer. It even has the NPS score to back this claim. Image source: Brauer/Bloomberg via Getty Images Tesla's NPS score of 97 significantly outpaces that of any of its auto rivals. In fact, anything above 40 is considered good. This is especially impressive, considering Tesla does not advertise much in the traditional sense like its rivals. However, brand loyalty is fluid, and companies can do a lot to damage something so precious. This week, Reuters published an exclusive report detailing how the company misled Tesla lessees about why they were not allowed to purchase the vehicles at lease end. Related: Here's why Tesla's robotaxi launch is destined to fail In 2019, Tesla started a policy telling customers they could lease the then-new, mass-market Model 3 sedan, but they could not purchase the vehicle at the end of the contract because Tesla planned to use the vehicles for its autonomous robotaxi network. "You don't have the option of buying," CEO Elon Musk bluntly told buyers in 2019, according to Reuters. "We want them back," because "next year for sure we'll have over 1 million robotaxis on the road." Six years later, there is not even one robotaxi on the road, much less one million, but Tesla kept reclaiming the leased vehicles anyway. A Reuters report finally reveals what the company did with those cars. It resold them. Rather than storing the cars for future use in its robotaxi fleet, like Musk said, Tesla immediately began reselling the vehicles, four sources familiar with the company's inner workings told Reuters. Tesla souped up the vehicles with software updates, jacked up the price, and then resold them to eager buyers, who ended up paying thousands more than lease-end buyers would have. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. The Reuters report emphasized that this is apparently not an illegal practice, but it did perpetuate the myth among investors that Tesla was near its fully autonomous driving goals, when time has revealed that at the time, it wasn't even close. Investors had two major reasons to celebrate Tesla's last earnings call. The big news was that Elon Musk would be stepping down from running DOGE full-time to focus more on Tesla. The other bit of news was confirmation that Tesla's robotaxi program would start this summer in its hometown of Austin, Texas. But not everyone is buying that Tesla will be ready in just a few weeks. Piper Sandler analyst Alexander Potter and his team don't think FSD version 13 is advanced enough to handle the challenge. Despite its bullish outlook, the firm says that FSD version 13 cannot support truly autonomous vehicles without human control. It came to this conclusion after a recent call with Elias Martinez, the creator of the FSD Community Tracker, which monitors FSD's progress. Tesla hasn't had a public update to version 13 since it debuted nearly five months ago. Piper Sandler speculates that the company has been focusing on making the Austin launch a success during that time. The firm said Tesla's push forward with robotaxi was "the most important Q1 takeaway." However, the firm now believes Tesla's technology can't handle the task and still retains its bullish outlook. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Business Upturn
16-05-2025
- Business Upturn
Roger Williams University Class of 2025 Urged to Embrace Discomfort, Pursue their Dreams and Careers with Purpose
BRISTOL, R.I., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Before Cole Brauer became the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world, she was a struggling high school student searching for direction. She found it, unexpectedly and powerfully, in college. 'I became empowered in learning for the first time in my entire life,' Brauer told the Roger Williams University Class of 2025 during her Commencement keynote address on May 16. 'Yet the problem with empowering a student to learn? I craved so, so much more.' That hunger for growth took her far from home to a college in Hawaii, where she took a leap of faith that would change her life. Reflecting on the pivotal moment that launched her sailing career, Brauer recalled the discomfort of stepping into unfamiliar territory after emailing the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa sailing team she had no connection to, asking to join. 'I could have stayed home. I could have not written that email,' Brauer said. 'These tiny little uncomfortable moments in college happened to be the start of a now 11-year career that has pushed me into some amazing moments, meeting some amazing humans, and seeing the world in a way that less than 200 people on this planet have ever experienced.' In 2023, Brauer made history in the Global Solo Challenge, finishing second overall in the grueling 30,000-mile race and becoming only the eighth woman to complete it. At just 29 years old, she cracked a rib, administered her own IV to treat extreme dehydration, rounded the world's three Great Capes, an achievement that catapulted her to international recognition and inspired thousands of followers with her courage, skill, and determination. From the deck of her racing boat to the stage at RWU, Brauer brought the audience on a journey across oceans and into the raw realities of chasing a dream. She spoke candidly about setbacks and uncertainty, about carving space for herself in a male-dominated field, and about the value of embracing discomfort. 'When you leave Roger Williams University and enter the world today – whether you have your first big job coming up or maybe you're moving back in with your parents like I did – things are about to change drastically,' she said. 'A restart. Restarts are good. They take us from our comfortable, familiar womb that we have created and challenge us to learn something new.' She urged graduates to stay open, present, and driven by what they believe in. 'Whatever industry you walk, you will find that you have to cut your teeth in the beginning and maybe even the middle to get respect and earn your keep at the end. And it will be hard,' Brauer said. 'But fighting for something you believe in gives us purpose to wake up every day.' RWU's Commencement ceremony celebrated its 1,269 graduates across undergraduate, graduate, and law programs, conferring 875 bachelor's degrees, 161 master's degrees, 165 law degrees, 72 associate degrees, and 14 certificates. Of the Class of 2025 undergraduates, 54 percent graduated with a double major or a minor added to their major, embodying the powerful combinations students make at RWU across academic degrees and credentials, internship, practicum and clinical experiences, and student leadership and involvement opportunities. In his remarks, RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis urged graduates to chart a path fueled by conviction and to let their college experience inspire bold, forward-looking action. 'In a world that is constantly changing, a Roger Williams University education has prepared you with a real-world education,' Miaoulis said. 'Find a life passion and stick with it – one that will continuously define your purpose, fuel you with endless energy, and make a difference in the world.' He encouraged graduates to embrace the complexity of the world by working across disciplines and perspectives, reminding them that lasting solutions are rarely found in isolation. 'Drawing from your interdisciplinary education, continue to seek collaboration with others to bring together a wide range of ideas, knowledge, and experiences to discover innovative solutions that one perspective alone cannot do as effectively,' he said. 'Now is your time to go forth with confidence and resolve and make your mark on the world.' Undergraduate student speaker Jules Gerstner '25 encouraged the Class of 2025 to approach life with curiosity, resilience, and collaboration, drawing parallels between scientific experimentation and the college experience as she reflected on her journey as both a scientist and an artist. 'Today we leave the university with a degree, but more than that, we leave with the knowledge, connections, and confidence we have gained through the process,' said Gerstner, a Chemistry and Biology double major and Visual Artsminor from Carlisle, Penn., who will pursue her Ph.D. in chemical biology at Yale University this fall. 'The end of an experiment is not the end of the line. Whether we continue our education, join the workforce, or take time to explore new passions, we are now prepared to tackle new questions with the skills that we have just gained.' As the graduate student speaker, Harrison Latimer '24, M'25 delivered a message of gratitude, self-discovery, and humor, drawing inspiration from three unlikely yet fitting role models: Kobe Bryant, Iron Man, and Jerry Seinfeld. From attending basketball camp on campus as a second grader to earning both his bachelor's and MBA through RWU's 4+1 MBA program, Latimer reflected on a journey of growth, both on the court and in the classroom. 'I love that this school made me a better person, even if you only saw me as a basketball player. I love that I was chosen to speak to you today, even though there are plenty of students here with higher GPAs and better résumés,' said Latimer of Providence, R.I. 'And most importantly, I love the way that Roger Williams gave me a home, even though it's time to say goodbye.' Encouraging his fellow graduates to embrace risk and pursue what they care about, Latimer reminded them that the path forward may not be linear, but it should be meaningful, and challenged them to chase what they love, no matter how unconventional. 'Be proud of your effort. Be proud of what you care about,' he said. 'Because at 50, if you wake up and realize you procrastinated your whole life – that you waited too long to chase what you love – that kind of regret will hit harder than any late assignment ever could.' RWU Board of Trustees Chair Heather Boujoulian, a 1997 graduate of the School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management and Managing Director and Head of Development at Berkshire Residential Investments, expressed her deep confidence in graduates' ability to thrive as they take the next step in their careers. 'Now is the time to dive deeper – into knowledge, into the questions, into the ideas that light the fire inside you and shape the world. Now is the time to soar higher – lifting your sight beyond what is easy or expected, daring to imagine what has never been seen before,' said Boujoulian. 'Embrace any uncertainty for the unknown, but above all, feel a strong readiness for what the future may hold.' In her remarks, Boujoulian celebrated a wide range of accomplishments that exemplify RWU's distinctive blend of academic excellence and hands-on learning. From inspiring young learners through STEM outreach to shaping coastal policy with environmental research, she emphasized how these real-world projects and classroom experiences have molded a generation of thoughtful leaders, innovative problem-solvers, and community builders. 'As you leave here today with your degrees, remember that you carry the Roger Williams name with you and the values that anchor our institution,' Boujoulian said, 'You will tell your story with the knowledge, compassion, and courage you've gained at Roger Williams University to lead movements, spark innovation, heal communities, and lift humanity higher.' Welcoming the new graduates to the RWU Alumni Association, Walter Ramos '83 reflected on the unexpected twists and defining moments that shaped his path from a Hawk to President and CEO of Rogerson Communities. Sharing his personal story of loss, perseverance, support, and mentorship, Ramos credited Roger Williams with helping him find clarity and direction during a time of family challenges. 'Roger Williams University was there for me at a time when I could not see and find that path for myself,' he said. Ramos encouraged graduates to embrace their own journeys with resilience, to ask for help when needed, and to offer that same support to future generations of RWU students. 'The road to your purpose in life will always come with unexpected turns and challenges. Never give up,' he said. 'And when you've reached that pinnacle in your career and your life, remember to help others so that they can get there too.' At the School of Law ceremony, retired South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, whose distinguished judicial career was shaped by a commitment to justice and a personal journey that began in segregated South Carolina, delivered the law school Commencement address. Newman reminded graduates that the rule of law is only as strong as those who defend it and urged them to pursue their legal careers with courage and conviction. 'Though times may be uncertain, the need for people like you is clear. Advocates, critical thinkers, and people who believe in the rule of law have always made a difference,' Newman said. 'No matter what path you choose after today, the world will be a better place because of you and what you have to offer society. When you are guided by principle, your work matters, and your living will not be in vain.' Law student speaker Ashley Kaplan L'25, of Sutton, Mass., brought humor, heart, and a healthy dose of legal wit to the podium as she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of law school and reminded her classmates to take a moment to appreciate how far they've come. 'I hope my fellow graduates take the time to celebrate this accomplishment,' she said. 'It was your strength, determination, and precision that led to today's success. Success is not finite, and this degree is only the beginning.' During the university ceremony, RWU celebrated leaders across diverse fields, from offshore sailing and entrepreneurship to public safety and the judiciary. Honorary degrees were presented to Brauer, who served as the keynote speaker; Joseph Brito, Jr., a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader, and a trustee emeritus of the Roger Williams University Board of Trustees; Kevin Lynch, Chief of the Bristol Police Department, whose decades of service have advanced community-centered policing and an RWU graduate holding a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Master of Justice Studies; and the Honorable Clifton Newman, a distinguished Circuit Court judge whose unwavering commitment to justice and integrity has earned national recognition. On behalf of the Faculty Senate, the university also presented awards to faculty members in recognition for outstanding and innovative teaching. The Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Li-Ling Yang, Professor of Science Education in the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education. The School of Law Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Professor of Law Susan Heyman. For the first time in its history, Roger Williams University conferred posthumous degrees to honor students who passed away before completing their studies. This year, RWU recognized Paul Arris, an Architecture major who died in 1990 with one semester remaining, and Nathaniel Trinidad, a third-year law student who died in 2024 while studying abroad. The Roger Williams University spirit is truly embodied in both Paul and Nate through their character, talent, and dedication to community. PHOTOS & VIDEO: Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Roger Williams University Class of 2025 Urged to Embrace Discomfort, Pursue their Dreams and Careers with Purpose
Cole Brauer, the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world, inspires resilience in Commencement address to RWU's 1,269 graduates BRISTOL, R.I., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Before Cole Brauer became the first American woman to sail solo nonstop around the world, she was a struggling high school student searching for direction. She found it, unexpectedly and powerfully, in college. 'I became empowered in learning for the first time in my entire life,' Brauer told the Roger Williams University Class of 2025 during her Commencement keynote address on May 16. 'Yet the problem with empowering a student to learn? I craved so, so much more.' That hunger for growth took her far from home to a college in Hawaii, where she took a leap of faith that would change her life. Reflecting on the pivotal moment that launched her sailing career, Brauer recalled the discomfort of stepping into unfamiliar territory after emailing the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa sailing team she had no connection to, asking to join. 'I could have stayed home. I could have not written that email,' Brauer said. 'These tiny little uncomfortable moments in college happened to be the start of a now 11-year career that has pushed me into some amazing moments, meeting some amazing humans, and seeing the world in a way that less than 200 people on this planet have ever experienced.' In 2023, Brauer made history in the Global Solo Challenge, finishing second overall in the grueling 30,000-mile race and becoming only the eighth woman to complete it. At just 29 years old, she cracked a rib, administered her own IV to treat extreme dehydration, rounded the world's three Great Capes, an achievement that catapulted her to international recognition and inspired thousands of followers with her courage, skill, and determination. From the deck of her racing boat to the stage at RWU, Brauer brought the audience on a journey across oceans and into the raw realities of chasing a dream. She spoke candidly about setbacks and uncertainty, about carving space for herself in a male-dominated field, and about the value of embracing discomfort. 'When you leave Roger Williams University and enter the world today – whether you have your first big job coming up or maybe you're moving back in with your parents like I did – things are about to change drastically,' she said. 'A restart. Restarts are good. They take us from our comfortable, familiar womb that we have created and challenge us to learn something new.' She urged graduates to stay open, present, and driven by what they believe in. 'Whatever industry you walk, you will find that you have to cut your teeth in the beginning and maybe even the middle to get respect and earn your keep at the end. And it will be hard,' Brauer said. 'But fighting for something you believe in gives us purpose to wake up every day.' RWU's Commencement ceremony celebrated its 1,269 graduates across undergraduate, graduate, and law programs, conferring 875 bachelor's degrees, 161 master's degrees, 165 law degrees, 72 associate degrees, and 14 certificates. Of the Class of 2025 undergraduates, 54 percent graduated with a double major or a minor added to their major, embodying the powerful combinations students make at RWU across academic degrees and credentials, internship, practicum and clinical experiences, and student leadership and involvement opportunities. In his remarks, RWU President Ioannis N. Miaoulis urged graduates to chart a path fueled by conviction and to let their college experience inspire bold, forward-looking action. 'In a world that is constantly changing, a Roger Williams University education has prepared you with a real-world education,' Miaoulis said. 'Find a life passion and stick with it – one that will continuously define your purpose, fuel you with endless energy, and make a difference in the world.' He encouraged graduates to embrace the complexity of the world by working across disciplines and perspectives, reminding them that lasting solutions are rarely found in isolation. 'Drawing from your interdisciplinary education, continue to seek collaboration with others to bring together a wide range of ideas, knowledge, and experiences to discover innovative solutions that one perspective alone cannot do as effectively,' he said. 'Now is your time to go forth with confidence and resolve and make your mark on the world.' Undergraduate student speaker Jules Gerstner '25 encouraged the Class of 2025 to approach life with curiosity, resilience, and collaboration, drawing parallels between scientific experimentation and the college experience as she reflected on her journey as both a scientist and an artist. 'Today we leave the university with a degree, but more than that, we leave with the knowledge, connections, and confidence we have gained through the process,' said Gerstner, a Chemistry and Biology double major and Visual Artsminor from Carlisle, Penn., who will pursue her Ph.D. in chemical biology at Yale University this fall. 'The end of an experiment is not the end of the line. Whether we continue our education, join the workforce, or take time to explore new passions, we are now prepared to tackle new questions with the skills that we have just gained.' As the graduate student speaker, Harrison Latimer '24, M'25 delivered a message of gratitude, self-discovery, and humor, drawing inspiration from three unlikely yet fitting role models: Kobe Bryant, Iron Man, and Jerry Seinfeld. From attending basketball camp on campus as a second grader to earning both his bachelor's and MBA through RWU's 4+1 MBA program, Latimer reflected on a journey of growth, both on the court and in the classroom. 'I love that this school made me a better person, even if you only saw me as a basketball player. I love that I was chosen to speak to you today, even though there are plenty of students here with higher GPAs and better résumés,' said Latimer of Providence, R.I. 'And most importantly, I love the way that Roger Williams gave me a home, even though it's time to say goodbye.' Encouraging his fellow graduates to embrace risk and pursue what they care about, Latimer reminded them that the path forward may not be linear, but it should be meaningful, and challenged them to chase what they love, no matter how unconventional. 'Be proud of your effort. Be proud of what you care about,' he said. 'Because at 50, if you wake up and realize you procrastinated your whole life – that you waited too long to chase what you love – that kind of regret will hit harder than any late assignment ever could.' RWU Board of Trustees Chair Heather Boujoulian, a 1997 graduate of the School of Engineering, Computing and Construction Management and Managing Director and Head of Development at Berkshire Residential Investments, expressed her deep confidence in graduates' ability to thrive as they take the next step in their careers. 'Now is the time to dive deeper – into knowledge, into the questions, into the ideas that light the fire inside you and shape the world. Now is the time to soar higher – lifting your sight beyond what is easy or expected, daring to imagine what has never been seen before,' said Boujoulian. 'Embrace any uncertainty for the unknown, but above all, feel a strong readiness for what the future may hold.' In her remarks, Boujoulian celebrated a wide range of accomplishments that exemplify RWU's distinctive blend of academic excellence and hands-on learning. From inspiring young learners through STEM outreach to shaping coastal policy with environmental research, she emphasized how these real-world projects and classroom experiences have molded a generation of thoughtful leaders, innovative problem-solvers, and community builders. 'As you leave here today with your degrees, remember that you carry the Roger Williams name with you and the values that anchor our institution,' Boujoulian said, 'You will tell your story with the knowledge, compassion, and courage you've gained at Roger Williams University to lead movements, spark innovation, heal communities, and lift humanity higher.' Welcoming the new graduates to the RWU Alumni Association, Walter Ramos '83 reflected on the unexpected twists and defining moments that shaped his path from a Hawk to President and CEO of Rogerson Communities. Sharing his personal story of loss, perseverance, support, and mentorship, Ramos credited Roger Williams with helping him find clarity and direction during a time of family challenges. 'Roger Williams University was there for me at a time when I could not see and find that path for myself,' he said. Ramos encouraged graduates to embrace their own journeys with resilience, to ask for help when needed, and to offer that same support to future generations of RWU students. 'The road to your purpose in life will always come with unexpected turns and challenges. Never give up,' he said. 'And when you've reached that pinnacle in your career and your life, remember to help others so that they can get there too.' At the School of Law ceremony, retired South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, whose distinguished judicial career was shaped by a commitment to justice and a personal journey that began in segregated South Carolina, delivered the law school Commencement address. Newman reminded graduates that the rule of law is only as strong as those who defend it and urged them to pursue their legal careers with courage and conviction. 'Though times may be uncertain, the need for people like you is clear. Advocates, critical thinkers, and people who believe in the rule of law have always made a difference,' Newman said. 'No matter what path you choose after today, the world will be a better place because of you and what you have to offer society. When you are guided by principle, your work matters, and your living will not be in vain.' Law student speaker Ashley Kaplan L'25, of Sutton, Mass., brought humor, heart, and a healthy dose of legal wit to the podium as she reflected on the challenges and triumphs of law school and reminded her classmates to take a moment to appreciate how far they've come. 'I hope my fellow graduates take the time to celebrate this accomplishment,' she said. 'It was your strength, determination, and precision that led to today's success. Success is not finite, and this degree is only the beginning.' During the university ceremony, RWU celebrated leaders across diverse fields, from offshore sailing and entrepreneurship to public safety and the judiciary. Honorary degrees were presented to Brauer, who served as the keynote speaker; Joseph Brito, Jr., a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader, and a trustee emeritus of the Roger Williams University Board of Trustees; Kevin Lynch, Chief of the Bristol Police Department, whose decades of service have advanced community-centered policing and an RWU graduate holding a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Master of Justice Studies; and the Honorable Clifton Newman, a distinguished Circuit Court judge whose unwavering commitment to justice and integrity has earned national recognition. On behalf of the Faculty Senate, the university also presented awards to faculty members in recognition for outstanding and innovative teaching. The Excellence in Teaching Award was given to Li-Ling Yang, Professor of Science Education in the Feinstein School of Humanities, Arts, and Education. The School of Law Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Professor of Law Susan Heyman. For the first time in its history, Roger Williams University conferred posthumous degrees to honor students who passed away before completing their studies. This year, RWU recognized Paul Arris, an Architecture major who died in 1990 with one semester remaining, and Nathaniel Trinidad, a third-year law student who died in 2024 while studying abroad. The Roger Williams University spirit is truly embodied in both Paul and Nate through their character, talent, and dedication to community. PHOTOS & VIDEO: CONTACT: Jill Pais Roger Williams University 401-254-3332 jpais@ in to access your portfolio
Chicago Tribune
10-05-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Richard Brauer, museum's founder and namesake, inducted as honorary member into Phi Beta Kappa
Richard Brauer, former director of the Valparaiso University Brauer Museum of Art which bears his name, was inducted Friday afternoon as an honorary member into the university's chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, considered the nation's most prestigious academic honor society. It was a ceremony that cherished the values not only of a liberal education but those who strive for excellence within that learning. VU's Eta of Indiana Chapter President Joe Creech said, 'It's liberal because it signifies emancipation from ignorance.' Fifteen students were also initiated as Members in Course. Phi Beta Kappa was founded by five students at the College of Willliam and Mary on Dec. 5, 1776. Stacy Maugans, historian of VU's chapter, told the audience gathered in the Duesenberg Recital Hall at VU's Center for the Arts that those early students held discourse on history, politics, and societal issues including slavery that played an integral, though shameful, role in the nation's higher education at the time. She told those gathered that the society's motto is 'Love of learning is the guide to life.' Brauer's educational journey embodies that. He said he attended VU on the GI Bill for one year in 1947 but, 'I realized I needed to learn more about art than VU offered.' He transferred to the Institute of Design of the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago where he earned both a B.A. and an M.A. Brauer didn't give up on VU though. By 1961 he was back as a newly hired professor tasked with coming up with an art exhibition. That exhibition became the museum that Brauer directed from 1962 until 1996. 'VU's Brauer Museum of Art is arguably what it is today because of Brauer,' Creech said. Its collection of over 1200 works is focused on American and international religious art. 'His legacy of not only teaching the arts but making sure that it carried forward as part of the symbol of the university,' was the reason Brauer was unanimously voted for initiation by the Eta Chapter, said Anna Stewart, director of the Institute of Leadership and Service at VU. 'He assembled quite a collection for a small university without a big budget,' she said. That collection includes works by American greats such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol and Ansel Adams. As recently reported in the Post-Tribune, a controversial plan to use the proceeds from the sale of three key pieces to finance freshman dorm renovations amid declining enrollment leaves the fate of the works unclear. The three pieces are: O'Keeffe's 'Rust Red Hills,' Frederic E. Church's 'Mountain Landscape,' and Childe Hassam's 'The Silver Vale and the Golden Gate.' When given the floor, Brauer thanked and acknowledged those who worked with him on the Collection Committee. 'I enjoyed working and learning with so many different people,' he said, adding another highlight of his career which included teaching students about American painters and museum studies, was the creation of more than 300 bulletin covers by his students for services in the Chapel of the Resurrection that are preserved in the university archive. Brauer was touched by the nomination. He began his speech with a brief history of his family's German Lutheran roots and the value they placed on learning. 'It is indeed a high honor,' Brauer said. 'I cherish it.' Brauer's former colleague, retired music professor Marcia Lewis, has a long history with Brauer and his family, having given voice lessons to his daughter Lydia. 'We moved into this building when we were both on faculty,' she recalled. 'This building is a tribute to him as well. We're thrilled that he's getting this honor.' She described Brauer as 'a really warm individual who cared so deeply for the arts – all arts – not just the visual that he was in.'
