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Pioneering Seattle-Based University Names Seasoned Higher Education Leader and Grantmaker as New President

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City University of Seattle announces Suzanne E. Walsh as its next president; transformational leader in higher education innovation, philanthropy and student success will drive CityU’s next phase of student success and community impact

SEATTLE, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — City University of Seattle (CityU)—a private, nonprofit leader in serving nontraditional, working, military students and offering diverse global study opportunities—today announced the appointment of Suzanne Elise Walsh as its new president, effective July 1, 2025. Walsh most recently served as the president of Bennett College, an all-women’s historically Black college in North Carolina, and brings extensive experience in higher education innovation, philanthropy, and community-focused leadership through previous roles at the Gates Foundation. She is the first woman and first person of color to hold the role in the university’s fifty-year history.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Suzanne Walsh as the next leader of CityU,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University and chair of CityU’s Board of Trustees. “Throughout her remarkable career, Suzanne has been a powerful catalyst for student success—working across HBCUs, public universities, and community colleges to expand access, enhance learning, and help students learn well and finish strong. Her deep commitment to student success, combined with her track record of innovation, makes her an ideal leader to guide CityU into its next chapter.”

Selected after a comprehensive national search, Walsh assumes the presidency during a period of continued growth and innovation at CityU, well-known for its distinctive focus on working adults and creative partnerships with employers. For more than 50 years, CityU has been a trailblazer in expanding access to high-quality, career-aligned pathways for nontraditional learners in the Pacific Northwest.

With a mission rooted in serving working professionals, international students, and lifelong learners, CityU specializes in flexible, workforce-aligned degrees and credentials that reflect the evolving needs of today’s workforce. More than 75% of its students take online or hybrid courses, and the vast majority study part-time, balancing their education with family, career or military service. Through global partnerships and a faculty of industry practitioners, CityU works in concert with regional employers—such as Boeing and Amazon—as well as partner institutions, community organizations, K-12 schools, and the military to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the workforce.

With more than 20 years of experience in education leadership, Walsh has pioneered policies and initiatives at the intersection of innovation, technology, data, and effective learning for nontraditional and underrepresented learners. Her expertise in transforming educational institutions and building impactful partnerships will be crucial in advancing CityU’s mission to provide career-relevant, flexible, and accessible education to lifelong learners.

“I’ve been fortunate to call Seattle and the Puget Sound region home for many years, and the opportunity to give back to this vibrant community by leading CityU is truly meaningful,” Walsh said. “What drew me to CityU is its student-centered mission of empowering students from all backgrounds—whether it’s adult learners balancing education with career and family, international students earning a U.S. degree, or professionals upskilling for the next phase of their career. At CityU, we will build on our strong foundation of student-centered success to foster career and economic mobility and empower students to lead in their professions and communities.”

Through a remarkable career spanning her time as president of Bennett College and in leadership roles at the Gates Foundation, Lumina Foundation and the Heinz Endowments, Walsh has led national initiatives that have reshaped the landscape of higher education. As deputy director of postsecondary success at the Gates Foundation, she spearheaded national initiatives aimed at increasing degree completion rates for underserved students.
A sought-after speaker at conferences like SXSW EDU, the Black Futures Summit, and ASU+GSV, Walsh is widely known for her focus on utilizing data-driven research, design thinking, and technology to solve complex challenges in higher education and society. She has also served on several nonprofit boards, including the Trellis Foundation, Achieving the Dream, and the Women’s College Coalition.

A graduate of Case Western Reserve University, Walsh holds both a juris doctorate and a master’s degree in social work. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and an associate degree in applied science from Hudson Valley Community College. Walsh has been awarded honorary doctorates from both Case Western Reserve University and Johnson C. Smith University. She is a past member of the Homeland Security Academic Partnership Council, having been appointed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

For more on Walsh and City University of Seattle, visit CityU.edu.

About City University of Seattle: Since 1973, City University of Seattle has been relentlessly reimagining higher education in the Pacific Northwest and around the world. As an accredited, nonprofit university with over 20 years in online education, our mission is to provide career-relevant education to busy professionals and promote their educational and career success. Today, CityU of Seattle is recognized as a Top 10 educator of adults nationwide, offering over 65 degrees and certificate programs in business, education, health and social sciences, and technology and computing. Whether students study online or on-site, they gain marketable skills from practitioner faculty, and network with students and alumni employed at top companies such as Amazon, Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Google.

Media Contact

Ashleigh Webb, City University of Seattle, 760-889-3494, awebb@nu.edu, https://www.cityu.edu/ 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/pioneering-seattle-based-university-names-seasoned-higher-education-leader-and-grantmaker-as-new-president-302387040.html

SOURCE City University of Seattle

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In HelloNation, Custom Auto Expert Gecovey Coffman Breaks Down Brake Warning Signs

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AMARILLO, Texas, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What do small changes in your vehicle’s braking behavior really mean? A HelloNation article featuring Gecovey Coffman of Coffman Customs helps drivers understand how early brake warning signs can prevent major repairs and improve safety on the road.

The article points out that many drivers ignore early signs like brake squealing or a slight change in pedal feel, assuming they’re harmless or temporary. But these signals often indicate worn brake pads or related issues that deserve prompt attention. When left unchecked, what begins as a small inconvenience can grow into a costly and potentially dangerous brake problem.

Brake squealing is among the most common early signals. According to the article, this high-pitched sound during light braking usually stems from worn brake pads or dust buildup. In Amarillo’s dry climate, dust is a regular factor in how brakes wear. The article explains that while occasional noise might be harmless, repeated or worsening squealing is one of the clearest brake warning signs to watch for.

Another issue the article explores is brake vibration. This can be felt through the pedal or steering wheel and is typically caused by uneven wear on the rotors. Brake vibration can worsen over time and reduce the driver’s ability to stop smoothly. The piece recommends brake inspection at the first sign of vibration to prevent further damage.

Pulling to one side when braking is another signal that may indicate uneven pressure or worn brake pads on a single wheel. The article explains how this imbalance can affect stability, especially in wet or dusty conditions, and is often overlooked until it impacts everyday driving.

The article also sheds light on the role of heat in brake wear. Stop-and-go traffic, frequent hard stops, and Amarillo’s shifting weather can all raise the temperature of brake components. This kind of repeated heat exposure increases the chances of brake squealing and accelerates the wear on pads and rotors alike.

The article emphasizes that a timely brake inspection can make a significant difference. It describes how inspections help identify wear patterns before they reach critical levels, limiting both cost and downtime. A standard brake inspection often includes checking for worn brake pads, measuring rotor thickness, and evaluating the condition of the brake fluid.

Speaking of brake fluid, the article notes that this is a frequently overlooked part of the system. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can reduce its effectiveness and lead to a softer pedal feel. The piece stresses that brake fluid should be checked regularly, as degraded fluid contributes to inconsistent stopping power, particularly under heavy use.

Seasonal changes also play a role in brake behavior. The article explains that temperature fluctuations, especially during Amarillo’s cooler mornings and warmer afternoons, can cause brake materials to expand and contract. These shifts often make existing problems like brake squealing or brake vibration more noticeable.

Even with modern dashboard alerts in newer vehicles, the article encourages drivers not to rely solely on sensors. Physical feedback, like vibration, squealing, or pulling, often appears first. By recognizing and responding to these brake warning signs early, drivers can maintain safer and more reliable braking performance.

Ultimately, the HelloNation article promotes regular maintenance as the most effective way to prevent serious brake problems. A proactive approach, based on local driving conditions and vehicle feedback, protects both safety and the vehicle’s long-term reliability.

The article, When Your Brakes Are Telling You Something, features insights from Gecovey Coffman, Custom Auto Expert of Amarillo, TX, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative “edvertising” approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-custom-auto-expert-gecovey-coffman-breaks-down-brake-warning-signs-302747736.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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Sinai.ai Closes $1.45M Pre-Seed Round to Reimagine the Future of Reading

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The AI-native books platform backed by KAUST Innovation Ventures, DisrupTech Ventures, and a coalition of leading investors is transforming the way people read, bringing books to life as living, interactive aiBook™ experiences

SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sinai.ai, an AI-native books platform, today announced the close of its $1.45M pre-seed funding round, led by KAUST Innovation Ventures (KIV) and DisrupTech Ventures, with participation from Maza Ventures and YOUXEL Ventures, alongside a coalition of angel investors. The capital will fund proprietary tech, AI infrastructure, user acquisition, and licensing.

The $150 billion global book market has seen little innovation in format for decades. Sinai was built to change that. At the heart of the platform is the aiBook™, a trademarked, patent-backed book format built on 100% licensed, full-text content. Readers can converse with their book in real time, generate study guides and quizzes, access titles across multiple languages, and switch between reading and listening. Sinai is launching with thousands of titles, having already secured partnerships with double-digit publishers, including several prominent names in the industry.

Investor Perspectives

“We strongly believe that AI will fundamentally reshape a wide range of industries, and the book industry is long overdue for meaningful innovation. For over two decades, the core format of books has remained largely unchanged. What the Sinai.ai team is building introduces a truly new paradigm — transforming books into interactive, intelligent experiences where readers can engage, learn, and explore in entirely new ways. We are particularly excited about the team and their ability to execute on a vision that sits at the intersection of content, technology, and user experience. We are always proud to back Egyptian founders who are building category-defining companies and pushing the boundaries of innovation beyond local markets.”
— Mohamed El Sayed Okasha, DisrupTech Ventures

“What drew me to Sinai.ai is that they’re approaching a huge, old industry with respect and clarity. Publishing has been around for centuries, and for good reason, but much of how it operates hasn’t evolved at the pace of technology. Instead of trying to break it, Sinai.ai is working alongside it, using AI to modernize how books are created, produced, and distributed. That’s a harder path. It requires understanding the incentives of everyone involved and building something that fits into a real ecosystem, not just replacing it. But it’s also the more enduring one. The companies that last are often the ones that reshape industries from within, and Sinai.ai feels like it’s doing exactly that.”
— Tambi Jalouqa, Maza Ventures

About the Team

Sinai.ai was co-founded by five individuals: Ahmed Kamel (CEO), a serial tech entrepreneur with post-graduate studies in AI and innovation at Stanford; Mohamed Elshamy (CRO), Yale MBA, with experience at Google, McKinsey, and Meta; Mohamed Elshenawy (CTO), PhD in AI from the University of Toronto, and led AI teams in different ventures; Hana Malhas (CFO), University of Michigan MBA, with deep experience in creative industries; and Abdullah Moatasem (CCO), creative director with credits at Warner Bros., Netflix, and Disney+.

Media Contact
Hana Malhas
6692369534
412491@email4pr.com
www.sinai.ai

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sinaiai-closes-1-45m-pre-seed-round-to-reimagine-the-future-of-reading-302747713.html

SOURCE Sinai.ai Inc.

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OpenTable Acquires Canadian Reservation Platform Libro, Expanding Presence in Quebec and Beyond

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SAN FRANCISCO, April 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, announced today that it has acquired Libro, a leading Canadian reservation and table management platform. With Libro currently serving thousands of restaurant partners in the region, the acquisition will strengthen OpenTable’s offering in Canada, specifically across Quebec.

By joining forces, OpenTable and Libro will combine industry-leading discovery, table management systems (TMS), and guest relationship tools to better serve the Canadian hospitality industry.

“Libro and OpenTable share a deep commitment to the success of local restaurants, making this a natural fit for both companies,” said Debby Soo, CEO of OpenTable. “By combining Libro’s localized expertise with our global diner network, we are deepening our commitment to the Canadian dining scene and providing Libro’s restaurant partners the option to soon join OpenTable’s diner network, driving broader visibility and more bookings.”

“This is an exciting next chapter for Libro and the restaurants we serve,” said Lorne Schwartz, CEO of Libro. “By joining forces with OpenTable, we’re able to expand our reach and bring even more value to our community, while continuing to deliver the localized support and innovation our partners rely on.”

To ensure seamless service for current partners, Libro will continue to operate as a standalone brand, while benefiting from expanded visibility on the OpenTable marketplace. A phased integration of inventory, infrastructure, and security capabilities is expected to be completed in the foreseeable future.

As part of the agreement, OpenTable will welcome Libro’s employees and leadership team. The combined expertise of both organizations will focus on delivering innovative solutions for restaurateurs and diners across North America.

About OpenTable

OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), helps more than 65,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable’s world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

About Libro
Libro is one of North America’s leading online guest experience platforms, providing restaurants with a fully branded way to fill tables, manage reservations, reduce no-shows, engage customers, and elevate the overall guest experience.

The platform enables operators to strengthen relationships with their guests and drive repeat visits—all within a seamless reservation experience.

Headquartered in Montreal, Libro serves restaurants across Canada, the United States, and Europe.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/opentable-acquires-canadian-reservation-platform-libro-expanding-presence-in-quebec-and-beyond-302747348.html

SOURCE OpenTable, Inc.

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