FORMER MASSACHUSETTS SECRETARY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS GLORIA CORDES LARSON TO DELIVER MWCC COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS

 

(GARDNER)—Former Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Affairs Gloria Cordes Larson will deliver the 2003 commencement address to over 500 Mount Wachusett Community College graduates, Thurs., May 22, at 6:00 p.m. in the Fitness and Wellness Center.

Larson currently serves as Co-Chair of the Government Practices Group at Foley Hoag, a Boston law firm.

As Secretary of Economic Affairs in the Weld Administration, Larson was responsible for promoting economic growth and fostering employment opportunities in Massachusetts. In addition, she oversaw the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, the division of Energy Resources, The Massachusetts Office of Business Development, the Massachusetts Film Office, the State Office of Minority and Women’s Business Assistance, the Massachusetts Jobs Council and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

Larson also served as Deputy Director of Consumer Protection for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in Washington D.C. where she helped to establish national consumer protection policies and implement law enforcement and educational efforts to carry out those policies.

After graduating from University of Virginia Law School, she served as director of a statewide program in Virginia that provided legal services to low and moderate-income senior citizens.

Larson is involved in a wide variety of community and charitable organizations. She serves on the National Board of Directors of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD); on the Cape Cod Hospital Community Advisory Board and the Boston Ballet Advisory Board.

She has received numerous honors including the 2002 Abigail Adams Award from the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus; the 2001 YWCA Boston Academy of Achievers Award; the 2000 Harbor Island Alliance Award; the 2000 Kristine Deplete Excellence in Public Service Award from the Commonwealth Corporation; the 1999 Pinnacle Award from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and was named an Outstanding Young Woman of America by the National Jaycees for her efforts on behalf of the low-income elderly.

“ Larson has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to community and public service throughout her career,” said Mount Wachusett Community College President Daniel M. Asquino. “As our college community continues to move forward with our Decade of Civic Engagement initiative, it will be fitting to hear from a woman who has dedicated so much of her time and talent to the service of others,” he added. The college will be presenting Larson with an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy Degree, according to Asquino.