Syracuse Sun

Army Colonel Pia W. Rogers, a distinguished alumna of Syracuse University, will deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs master of public administration convocation ceremony. The event is scheduled for Friday, June 28, as the school marks its 100th anniversary.

Rogers plans to discuss her career path since earning her Maxwell M.P.A. 22 years ago, her dedication to public service, and her advice for graduates. “Today my energy is derived from those around me—subordinates, peers and superiors—and how we, collectively, improve our foxhole,” she says.

After being commissioned through Syracuse University's Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program and earning an undergraduate degree in journalism from the Newhouse School of Public Communications in 1998, Rogers completed the J.D./M.P.A. dual-degree program in 2001. She joined the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps in 2002 and has served as an active-duty soldier for 22 years with assignments globally and within the U.S., including her current role at the Pentagon.

The Maxwell School's M.P.A. program was established on October 3, 1924, with support from George Holmes Maxwell. It was the first of its kind in the nation and remains highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report for its blend of theory and practice aimed at preparing leaders for diverse careers.

The convocation ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in Hendricks Chapel with welcoming remarks by Patrick Edwards G’24 M.P.A., followed by a graduating student address from Omer Keles G’24. The Brady K. Howell Maxwell Alumni Award will be presented to Judith Douglas ’77, G’81 during the event for her contributions across various sectors and ongoing alumni involvement.

Douglas is recognized for her leadership spanning federal, state, and local government levels as well as nonprofit organizations, academia, and private industry.