Independence Community College is pleased to announce its upcoming Fall Commencement Ceremony scheduled for December 5, 2023, at the William Inge Theatre. The ceremony will commence at 6:00 p.m., and admission is free to the public.
This year, ICC is honored to welcome Brian Williams, CEO and President of Labette Health, as the distinguished speaker for the commencement ceremony. Brian has been an influential figure in the healthcare industry, bringing over twenty years of experience in leading physician and hospital organizations and a decade of expertise in financial services leadership.
"We are very excited to welcome Brian Williams to speak at this year's graduation ceremony," said Dr. Vincent Bowhay, ICC President. "His success as a rural healthcare champion inspires all who know him. I know his address will be especially meaningful to our graduates about to embark on the next phase of their life's journey. "
Joining Labette Health in 2015, Brian has catalyzed positive change, inspiring his team to achieve remarkable milestones in Southeast Kansas. His visionary approach to healthcare has impacted the region and extended to the state and county levels. Brian's leadership has transformed Labette Health into a beacon of excellence, marked by significant improvements in financial stability, patient satisfaction, employee morale, and quality ratings.
A notable achievement under Brian's guidance is developing and financing a 17,000-square-foot off-campus emergency department, observation unit, and rural health clinic in Independence. This groundbreaking initiative, aimed at ensuring access to local emergency room care, is now considered a potential model for the Rural Emergency Hospital, garnering attention from rural communities nationwide.
Brian Williams, a U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (retired), has been recognized for his outstanding contributions with prestigious accolades such as the General George C. Marshall Award, Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives, Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, and the recent recipient of the Donald A. Wilson Visionary Award by the Kansas Hospital Association. The award acknowledges individuals who have made innovative contributions to healthcare delivery, financing, and other initiatives that enhance their communities' health and clinical outcomes.
"Education and, more importantly, continuing education is vital to personal growth and service to the improvement of society," said Williams. "Education provides each of us a foundation to build upon throughout our lives."
The ICC Fall Commencement Ceremony promises to be an inspiring and celebratory event, offering attendees the opportunity to gain insights from Brian Williams' wealth of experience and leadership in the healthcare sector. The ceremony underscores ICC's commitment to providing its graduates with a memorable and enriching commencement experience.
For more information on ICC’s Fall Graduation Ceremony please contact:
April Parsons at aparsons@indycc.edu
For more information on Brian Williams and Labette Health please contact:
Kerri Beardmore at kerrib@labettehealth.com