During the graduation, Ms. Crowley, who has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for two years, also received the Maharishi Award in the area of Information and Inspiration for her distinguished and internationally acclaimed work in journalism.

CNN anchor Candy Crowley gives commencement address at MUM
by Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa, USA, Achievements
25 June 2012

On May 26, 268 students graduated from Maharishi University of Management including the largest class of undergraduate students (72) in over 20 years. Graduate diplomas were awarded to 196 students, including 5 doctoral degrees. The graduating students represented 37 different countries. After the US, the countries with the largest number of graduates were Nepal (55) and Ethiopia (54).

Candy Crowley, CNN's Emmy Award-winning chief political correspondent and host of State of the Union, delivered the commencement speech.

Patrik Siljestam, who received a BA in Business, was the Valedictorian, and Florence Nickerson, who gave the class gift to the University of a $1500 donation towards edible landscaping on campus, was the Salutatorian.

In her commencement address, Ms. Crowley recounted stories from her professional and personal life to illustrate the most important life lessons she learned over decades. “To get to where you want to go, you first have to stand and be who you are,” she said. Ms. Crowley encouraged students to be unafraid to live their lives, be heroic, and find the beauty in what they do. “Be honest and demand honesty in life,” she said.

Ms. Crowley has been practicing the Transcendental Meditation technique for two years, and in 2010 she co-hosted the David Lynch Foundation’s “Change Begins Within” benefit gala in New York City.

“Candy is a woman of supreme honesty, integrity, compassion, and wit,” said Dr. Bob Roth, MUM trustee and executive director of the David Lynch Foundation. “She was deeply inspired by her meetings with the students and faculty of Maharishi University of Management—and the students and faculty were inspired by her wisdom. She wants to come back soon.”

During the ceremony, Ms. Crowley received the Maharishi Award in the area of Information and Inspiration for her distinguished and internationally acclaimed work in journalism. The award was presented by Josh Wilson, outgoing president of MUM Global Student Council, on behalf of the students of MUM.

© Copyright 2012, Maharishi University of Management