Michael Gessler Awarded Honorary Degree at USF

Provost Wilcox introducing Dr. Michael Gessler

Admittedly, Dr. Michael Gessler was a little nervous as Provost Ralph Wilcox was introducing him to the audience attending the Spring Commencement ceremony at the Sun Dome in the University of South Florida (USF) campus. Dr. Gessler was about to receive an Honorary Degree by USF and was wondering if his speech would meet the expectations.

The undergraduate graduation ceremony was held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 1:30 pm, and the recipients of an honorary degree are the highlight of the event, as they are expected to give a speech with inspiring takeaways.

USF President Judy Genshaft, and a distinguished party including college deans, vice presidents, faculty and alumni representatives were there serving as respectful witnesses. In front, there were over 600 graduates and thousands of their excited family and friends, all awaiting for his speech after his introduction. Dr. Gessler's speech was well received.

Nominated by the Career and Workforce Education program at USF, Dr. Gessler was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education degree in recognition of his significant work in Vocational Education and Training (VET). Dr. Gessler is member of the Board of Directors of the Institut Technik & Bildung [The Institute Technology and Education] (ITB), and Professor in vocational and adult education at the University of Bremen. His areas of research interests are project-based learning and teaching, educational management, school-to-work transitions, work-based learning and innovations in VET.

During his visit to the University of South Florida to receive the honorary award, he conducted a presentation in the College of Education entitled, “Competence-Based Vocational Education and Training in Germany and the United Kingdom: Differences That Make the Difference.”

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gessler for receiving an Honorary Doctor of Education award from USF in recognition of his outstanding work in VET.