Paul Rusesabagina, founder of the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation and humanitarian who has dedicated his life to raising awareness about genocide throughout Africa and ending violence worldwide, praised Walden University for its commitment to positive social change during his keynote address at the university’s 50th Commencement Ceremony.

Rusesabagina spoke in-person and virtually to a graduating class of nearly 6,000 students and their friends and family representing 50 U.S. states and 65 countries at Walden’s 2013 summer commencement in Minneapolis. He said, “I’ve been around the globe and experienced social change in many forms, so being here today with Walden University, a like-minded organization, feels like I am among friends and colleagues who share my commitment to make our world a better place.”

Rusesabagina acknowledged some of Walden’s social change initiatives, such as its annual Social Change Impact Report that surveys the state of social change around the world. He also recognized several Walden alumni who are making a positive difference in their communities in the United States and around the world.

“No matter what the struggle or sacrifice, we all have opportunities every day to be leaders in making a positive difference,” he said. “Through your education at Walden, you’ve been given the tools to create this difference. It’s now part of your DNA, and I salute you for it.”

Rusesabagina shared his five lessons for the new graduates, which included listening to your inner advisor and remembering that words are an important tool. His final advice: “Walden has empowered you to make social change. Your mission is to make social change happen around the whole world. Shape the world the way you want it to be.”

About Walden University
For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and more than 145 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of 70 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries.

Walden offers more than 75 degree programs with more than 385 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

Walden University

Walden University

For more than 40 years, Walden University has supported working professionals in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and their communities. Today, more than 50,000 students from all 50 states and more than 150 countries are pursuing their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees online at Walden. The university provides students with an engaging educational experience that connects them with expert faculty and peers around the world. Walden is the flagship online university in the Laureate International Universities network—a global network of more than 75 campus-based and online universities in 29 countries. Walden offers more than 80 degree programs with more than 370 specializations and concentrations. Areas of study include health sciences, counseling, human services, management, psychology, social work, education, public health, nursing, public administration and information technology. For more information, visit www.WaldenU.edu. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.

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