Florida National University Celebrates Fall 2013 Commencement Ceremony
Miami, FL (PRWEB) October 03, 2013 -- On Sunday, September 29, 2013, Florida National University (FNU) held its Fall 2013 Commencement Ceremony. The event took place at the James L. Knight Center, Miami, Florida. Over 200 students received their diplomas and certificates from Florida National University, Hialeah’s first and only university. This graduation marked a first for FNU as the University celebrated the first graduating class from its Bachelor of Science in nursing program.
The Mistress of Ceremony was Ms. Silvia “Bibi” Borges, Assistant Dean for the Hialeah Campus. She was accompanied at the podium by Mr. Bernardo Navarro, Assistant Dean for the South Campus. Following the procession, Ms. Borges welcomed the guests and students. The United States Army Color Guard presented the colors. Ms. Borges led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pomp and circumstance was performed by the Mater Academy Lion Band. In her opening comments, Ms. Borges thanked the students’ families, friends and faculty by saying, “all of you contributed greatly to the success of our students.”
Ms. Dania Gutierrez, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Art in Legal Studies, was the Salutatorian. In her opening comments, Ms. Gutierrez asked her fellow graduates to look at the person seated next to them and say, “Yes! We did it.” Ms. Gutierrez expressed deep gratitude to her fellow classmates, family, friends and the FNU community. In a very touching moment, Ms. Gutierrez expressed special thanks to her father, who recently passed away, for inspiring her to pursue her goals and dreams. In her closing statements, Ms. Gutierrez urged the graduates to “find the passion in you … learn as much as you can,” and to “make a difference in someone’s life.”
The Valedictorian was Ms. Unbreen Mirza, who graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master in Business Administration. This was Ms. Mriza’s second visit to the commencement ceremony podium. For the Fall 2012 ceremony, Ms. Mirza was the Salutatorian. Ms. Mirza started her academic career with Florida National University with an associate’s degree. She then earned her bachelor’s and concluded her studies at FNU with an MBA. In her opening comments, Ms. Mirza said that “it is the vision of every student to be on the stage” as a graduate. Ms. Mirza thanked Dr. James Bullen, Business and Economics Division Head and Dr. Ernesto Gonzalez, Business Department Head for “helping me conquer my fears and recognizing my strengths.” In her closing statements, Ms. Mirza quoted Aristotle by saying, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
The guest speaker was Dr. Paula Lalinde, Founder and CEO of Nothing Trumps Hope, LLC an organization that is dedicated “… to bringing hope, renewal, and balance to individuals and organizations.” Dr. Lalinde urged the graduates to “dream your world into being” and to “declare your vision for yourself, family, community and the world.” She advised the students to “be in the moment and change with it.”
After Dr. Lalinde’s inspiring speech, Dr. Caridad Hernandez, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dr. Jorge Alfonso, Hialeah Campus Dean conferred the diplomas and honors. After all the graduates received their diplomas and certificates, the University held the time-honored candle-lighting ceremony for its nursing students. Dr. Hernandez led the Degree Proclamation.
“Overall, I think this was a great graduation. It clearly conveyed Florida National University’s continued dedication to improving the standards of the South Florida community by ensuring a quality post-secondary education for its students,” said Mr. Jose Alonso, Social Media and Marketing Specialist for Florida National University.
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Established in 1982, Florida National University (FNU) is a higher learning institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees.
For more information on the Spring 2013 Commencement Ceremony, please call Jose Alonso at 305-821-3333 or email jalonso(at)fnu(dot)edu
Jose Alonso, Social Media and Marketing Specialist, Florida National University, http://www.fnu.edu, +1 (305) 477-8960 209, [email protected]
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