CHICAGO, June 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth, assistant secretary, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will receive an honorary Doctor of Psychology degree and address The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's graduating class of 2009. The Commencement ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 12, at the Civic Opera House in downtown Chicago.

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"In the year of our 30th anniversary, I'm delighted to welcome to our Commencement such a distinguished voice for veterans," said Dr. Michael Horowitz, president of The Chicago School. "Assistant Secretary Duckworth is an individual who exemplifies our values of service and community. I look forward to hearing her message to our graduates, many of whom will follow a similar path toward working with and supporting members of the veteran community."

Duckworth was nominated by President Barack Obama to her VA post in February 2009. She received confirmation from the U.S. Senate this past April. In her role, she oversees the department's public affairs, internal communications, and intergovernmental relations along with programs for homeless veterans, consumer affairs, and special rehabilitative events.

The assistant secretary's previous position was director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Duckworth also currently serves as a major in the Illinois National Guard and was previously deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom where, as a captain, she was assistant operations officer for a 500-soldier aviation task force. She also served as a logistics officer and company commander. As a helicopter pilot flying combat missions in 2004, she suffered grave injuries when her helicopter was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade, losing both legs and partial use of one arm.

Duckworth is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and holds a master's degree from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her previous positions include coordinating the Center for Nursing Research at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Ill., and working for Rotary International's Asia-Pacific region.

As commencement speaker, Duckworth joins a distinguished list of individuals invited to address a Chicago School graduating class. Past honorary degree recipients include Tipper Gore, actor Joe Mantegna, award-winning journalist/author Alex Kotlowitz, and former U.S. Senator Adlai Stevenson III. Approximately 3,000 people, including more than 400 graduating students, are expected to attend the June 12 event.

About The Chicago School of Professional Psychology:

Founded in 1979, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is the nation's leading nonprofit graduate university exclusively dedicated to the applications of psychology and related behavioral sciences. TCS is an active member of the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology, which has recognized The Chicago School for its distinguished service and outstanding contributions to cultural diversity and advocacy. The Chicago School's community service initiatives resulted in recognition on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary service to disadvantaged youth.

Media interested in covering The Chicago School Commencement should contact Matt Nehmer at 312.329.6672, mnehmer@thechicagoschool.edu.

SOURCE The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

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