Miami University tapped Maj. Gen. (Dr.) Sharon Bannister (Miami ’88,) director of medical operations of the Office of the Surgeon General of the U.S. Air Force to be the commencement speaker at the spring graduation ceremonies, Saturday, May 14.

“Maj. Gen. Bannister’s service, dedication, and achievement are an inspiration to all, truly embodying the Miami virtues of Love and Honor, and the Air Force core values of Integrity, Service, and Excellence,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said in announcing the speaker Wednesday.

Bannister previously served as command surgeon of the Air Force Air Combat Command. In her current post she is responsible for creating and executing health care policy for 43,000 Air Force personnel and 77 medical facilities, with a $6.2 billion budget, according to the announcement.

Bannister graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry from Miami in 1988 and received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Case Western University in 1992. She was promoted to major general in June.