In a star-studded commencement ceremony on June 7, 2024, at OC Great Park Championship Stadium in Irvine, California, Westcliff University honored the accomplishments of its nearly 1,200 distinguished graduates. The global leader in higher education welcomed two luminaries in the field of cellular phone and wireless technology, Marty Cooper and Arlene Harris, who made inspiring contributions to the event.
During the ceremony, Westcliff University surprised its esteemed special guest, Marty Cooper, widely known as the "Father of the Cellphone," with an honorary Doctorate of Technology. This recognition celebrated Cooper's visionary work and immense contributions to the field of mobile communications. In the early 1970s, Cooper developed the first portable cellular phone, the DynaTAC, which paved the way for the development of modern smartphones. His innovative spirit and entrepreneurial drive have led to the founding of several successful companies and earned him numerous accolades, including the Marconi Award and the prestigious Draper Prize in 2013 from the National Academy of Engineering.
Upon accepting the honorary doctorate, Cooper expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am thrilled, honored and privileged to receive this honorary doctorate from Westcliff University… not only on my behalf but for the thousands of people who took my idea and turned it into the most valuable tool for collaboration in the history of mankind."
The event also featured a powerful keynote address from Arlene Harris, known as the "First Lady of Wireless." Harris, recognized for her groundbreaking innovations in wireless communications, shared details of her inspiring journey with Westcliff's graduating class. Her inventions, including the first over-the-air remotely programmable wireless phones and prepaid wireless management system, have significantly impacted global communication, particularly in developing countries, by making wireless technology more accessible. Harris's dedication to advancing technology and her advocacy for women in STEM fields have established her as a role model for countless young women aspiring to break barriers in the tech industry.
In her moving speech to Westcliff's 2024 class, Harris urged, "You all have more tools to fix what's broken and build new opportunities than ever before in history. I'd encourage you to use them toward purposeful contributions that fulfill you."
Westcliff University made a historic announcement during the ceremony, officially unveiling the Harris Cooper Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship, named in honor of partners in both business and life, Arlene Harris and Marty Cooper, will be awarded annually to a woman with outstanding accomplishments in STEM academics or enterprise solutions. The scholarship not only recognizes Cooper and Harris for their incredible success, enduring partnership, and profound impact on the field of wireless and cellular phone technology but also underscores their strong commitment to supporting and empowering women in STEM and fostering the next generation of female technology leaders.
Dr. Anthony Lee, president and CEO of Westcliff University, expressed his gratitude and pride in hosting such illustrious figures at the commencement ceremony. "We are honored to have Arlene Harris and Marty Cooper join us in celebrating our graduates. Their groundbreaking contributions to wireless technology serve as an inspiration to our students as they set out on their own journeys of innovation and impact."
The commencement ceremony at Westcliff University not only celebrated the achievements of its distinguished graduating class of 2024 but also highlighted the university's commitment to fostering innovation, empowering women in STEM, and recognizing the profound impact of visionary leaders in the field of technology. With the launch of the Harris Cooper Scholarship and the presence of two industry trailblazers, Westcliff University continues to inspire and support the next generation of innovators and changemakers.
