April 16, 2003
Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)
ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Bob Moawad, who has been referred to as
“one of Central’s most avid supporters” will make the commencement
address at Central Washington University’s 112th graduation ceremony in
Ellensburg.
Moawad, a CWU alumnus from Tacoma, is founder and chairman of
Edge Learning Institute, a professional development firm that assists
organizations maximize their human assets, increase productivity,
manage change and achieve higher levels of customer satisfaction.
For nearly 30 years, Moawad, his partners and staff have
produced a variety of award-winning processes for business, government
and education. They have earned international recognition and
acceptance for individual and team effectiveness. In recognition of
the effectiveness of his programs, Moawad served as president of the
National Association for Self-Esteem from 1994-96.
As an internationally-acclaimed leader in human development
and change management, Moawad has shared his insights with more than
three million people over the past three decades, during more than
8,500 presentations worldwide to audiences ranging from 50 to 23,000
people.
More than 1,000 students are expected to participate in CWU
graduation ceremonies, slated for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14 at
Tomlinson Stadium. Gates will open for family and friends at 8:15 a.m.
A crowd of more than 7,000 is expected.
Moawad received two degrees from CWU: a bachelor’s degree in
health education in 1964 and a master’s degree in physical education in
1967. While at Central, he served as student body vice president from
1962 to ’63. Moawad also was a standout with the Wildcat baseball
team, earning Evergreen Conference all-league honors in 1963 and
leading the team in stolen bases in 1964. On the basketball floor, he
was selected team captain in 1964.
Prior to the 1974 founding of United Pacific Institute,
which was later renamed Edge Learning Institute, Moawad served as a
high school psychology teacher and basketball coach. His 1969 Central
Kitsap High School team, in Silverdale, won the Washington state high
school basketball championship.
Moawad was named a university distinguished alumnus in 1994
and was inducted into the CWU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996. In
addition, he was named the Pierce County Small-Business Person of the
Year in 1988 and the county’s Washington Rotary Club 2002 Community
Service Award winner.
Moawad also has been involved with a number of community
organizations, including YMCA and United Way, along with a number of
service organizations.
He is the brother of renowned CWU professor emeritus of jazz
studies John Moawad.
Moawad’s address and the entire commencement ceremony will
be broadcast live on KCWU, Channel 2, for Ellensburg-area cable
subscribers.
