August 27, 2015

General Robin Rand to speak at Centenary College

SHREVEPORT, LA — General Robin Rand, Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base, will deliver the President's Convocation address at Centenary College on Tuesday, September 1 at 11 a.m. in Brown Chapel. General Rand's remarks at this traditional opening to the College's academic year will mark his first public speaking appearance in Shreveport-Bossier City since taking command of Global Strike on July 28.

"We are honored to welcome General Rand to our community and to Centenary College to open our 191st academic year," said Centenary President David Rowe. "General Rand's participation reinforces the relationship between the College and Barksdale, two enduring institutions that have contributed significantly to the economic and cultural development of Shreveport and Bossier City."

General Rand was commissioned in the United States Air Force in 1979 after graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has had multiple flying tours, served as an air liaison officer with the U.S. Army, and has had staff tours on the Joint Staff, Office of the Secretary of Defense, and Air Staff.

General Rand's previous commands include the Air Education and Training Command, Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, the 36th Fighter Squadron, USAF Weapons School, 8th Fighter Wing, 56th Fighter Wing, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad Air Base, Iraq, and the 12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona. General Rand is a command pilot with more than 5,000 flying hours, including more than 470 combat hours.

During the ceremony, Centenary's first-year students, who recently returned to campus from the second annual Centenary in Paris immersive study experience, will enter Brown Chapel to the applause of the seniors in the Class of 2016. The program also includes the acclaimed Centenary College Choir and the traditional academic procession of College Trustees, faculty, and staff.

The President's Convocation is free and open to the public.