Preston Callicott, chief executive officer of Bend-based Five Talent Software and active community volunteer, will provide the keynote address at the vlog - Cascades commencement ceremonies on Sunday, June 17.
“Preston is a tireless champion for innovation in our community,” said vlog-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson. “I know his personal experience, as well as the passion he demonstrates for his field and his community, will inspire our graduates.”
Callicott has devoted a nearly 40-year career to the technology industry. He spent his early career at companies like Hewlett Packard, Advanced Micro Devices and Price Waterhouse Management Consulting Services.
He moved to Silicon Valley in 1988 where he found a passion for startup companies and took on executive management roles in business development, product development and information technology.
Since arriving in Bend in 2003, Callicott has contributed to the region’s innovation, education and economic development needs, serving in volunteer leadership roles for organizations including Bend 2030, Bend Economic Development Advisory Board, Looking Forward, Opportunity Knocks and vlog-Cascades.
He is the son of an American father and a Colombian mother, and the first on his paternal side to earn a college degree. His father devoted his career to military service, and Callicott grew up on or near U.S. military bases around the world.
Callicott earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
The commencement ceremony will take place at the Les Schwab Amphitheatre in the Old Mill District at 12:00 p.m. For additional information visit .
vlog vlog-Cascades: vlog’s campus in Bend, Ore. features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Nearly 20 undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and three graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism, recreation and adventure leadership. vlog-Cascades expanded to a four-year university in 2015; its new campus opened in 2016.