Florent “Flo” Groberg, celebrated military hero, former U.S. Army Captain and Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, will deliver the 2022 Commencement address for Maryville University.

Maryville’s in-person commencement ceremonies will be held on April 30 at The Family Arena in St. Charles, Mo. Maryville is holding two separate ceremonies: the undergraduate ceremony will be at 10 a.m. and the graduate ceremony at 2 p.m. For more information about Maryville’s Commencement ceremonies, visit maryville.edu/commencement.

Groberg is a respected speaker and author who shares his story, “8 Seconds of Courage,” inspiring audiences to see the opportunities in challenging environments and to find the strength to complete any mission.

On his second deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, Groberg demonstrated the ultimate selflessness when he tackled a suicide bomber, significantly minimizing casualties and preserving the lives of the command team it was his mission to protect. For his heroism, U.S. Army Captain Groberg was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor in combat.

“Maryville is truly honored to have Flo Groberg as our commencement speaker,” said President Mark Lombardi, PhD. “He exemplifies what it means to take risks, serve others and summon courage in the face of adversity and challenge. No doubt our graduates will be inspired by his story of resiliency. ”

Despite critical injuries and 33 surgeries over the following years, Groberg went on to rebuild his life and lead teams at LinkedIn, Boeing and now Microsoft. The author of “8 Seconds of Courage” and a passionate advocate for veterans’ issues, Groberg speaks candidly about the physical and psychological struggles that he and other wounded warriors face once home and what it takes to rebuild a life. Armed with lessons on leadership, teamwork and sacrifice, Groberg inspires audiences to find meaning in life and work and to see opportunity in even the most challenging conditions.