HILLSBORO, Kan. – Tabor College graduates will be addressed by Paul Folmsbee, Tabor alumnus and Ambassador to the Republic of Mali.
Folmsbee was nominated as ambassador by President Obama in 2014 and has served in the role since his confirmation in 2015. Prior to the appointment, he was the executive director for the Bureau of African Affairs in the Department of State. He has spent a significant portion of his career in the developing world focusing on economic and social development as well as serving as a civilian in active conflict zones.
His address “Being Resilient” is a theme that has served Folmsbee well throughout his career.
“Tabor gives students a solid moral compass in a world which otherwise can be a bit chaotic,” Folmsbee said. “A graduate from Tabor will understand the importance of human values and the need to manage your life by those values. Not everyone has that experience coming out of a four year college degree program.”
President Jules Glanzer is thrilled to bring Folmsbee to campus for this important rite of passage in the lives of Tabor students.
“Many of our graduates have gone on to have exciting careers and we’re pleased when we can bring them back to share their experiences with current students,” Glanzer said. “Our tradition of inviting alumni to speak at commencement allows our students to be inspired by those that have come before them. The alumni show our students what is possible with a Tabor education.”
Folmsbee earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Tabor and a master’s degree in social anthropology from the University of Oklahoma. He also studied aviation at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University before relocating to Tabor where he completed flight training. Folmsbee is the recipient of numerous awards and honors including multiple Department of State Superior Honor Awards as well as a medal from the Polish Government for service in Afghanistan working with Polish troops.
Tabor’s 108th commencement ceremony will be held Saturday, May 19 at 10 a.m. at Joel H. Wiens Stadium. A concert by the Symphonic Band will begin at 9:30 a.m.