City University of Seattle

Commencement Speaker: Michael Riley

Michael Riley served as the superintendent of the Bellevue School District in Washington State for twelve years, leaving this past December to become Senior Vice President of College Readiness Systems for The College Board. Riley's division at The College Board is dedicated to helping urban school districts enable all their students to become college ready through the implementation of comprehensive reform strategies.

During his time in Bellevue, Riley's mission was developing the curriculum, staff development programs, and student support systems to give every student the type of education that ensures success in college. Eighty-five percent of the district's Class of 2007 completed at least one Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course; fifty percent completed four or more.

Riley taught English for twelve years and was an assistant principal in Chicago. He served as a high school principal for nine years and as an assistant superintendent for three during his time in Maryland. He holds a master's degree in English from DePaul University and a Ph.D. in educational administration with a concentration in research from Loyola University Chicago. He is married to a retired special education teacher and administrator, and his daughter is photo editor for the Human Society of United States.

CityU of Seattle Mourns the Loss of Michael Riley

All of us at City University of Seattle were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Michael Riley, Ph.D. Dr. Riley's vision and leadership as superintendent of the Bellevue School District and as Vice President of the College Readiness Systems for The College Board was tremendous. We will all feel the impact of his work for many years to come. I was honored this past June to confer an Honorary Doctorate of Letters to Dr. Riley, and welcome him as the keynote speaker at City University of Seattle's North American Commencement Ceremony. We've lost an important voice on behalf of students and teachers everywhere. Our thoughts are with Dr. Riley's family, colleagues, and friends at this difficult time.

—Lee Gorsuch, President, City University of Seattle





	Commencement Speaker: Michael Riley Michael Riley served as the superintendent of the Bellevue School District in Washington State for twelve years, leaving this past December to become Senior Vice President of College Readiness Systems for The College Board. Riley's division at The College Board is dedicated to helping urban school districts enable all their students to become college ready through the implementation of comprehensive reform strategies. During his time in Bellevue, Riley's mission was developing the curriculum, staff development programs, and student support systems to give every student the type of education that ensures success in college. Eighty-five percent of the district's Class of 2007 completed at least one Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate course; fifty percent completed four or more. Riley taught English for twelve years and was an assistant principal in Chicago. He served as a high school principal for nine years and as an assistant superintendent for three during his time in Maryland. He holds a master's degree in English from DePaul University and a Ph.D. in educational administration with a concentration in research from Loyola University Chicago. He is married to a retired special education teacher and administrator, and his daughter is photo editor for the Human Society of United States. CityU of Seattle Mourns the Loss of Michael Riley All of us at City University of Seattle were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend Michael Riley, Ph.D. Dr. Riley's vision and leadership as superintendent of the Bellevue School District and as Vice President of the College Readiness Systems for The College Board was tremendous. We will all feel the impact of his work for many years to come. I was honored this past June to confer an Honorary Doctorate of Letters to Dr. Riley, and welcome him as the keynote speaker at City University of Seattle's North American Commencement Ceremony. We've lost an important voice on behalf of students and teachers everywhere. Our thoughts are with Dr. Riley's family, colleagues, and friends at this difficult time. —Lee Gorsuch, President, City University of Seattle