Broward College Celebrates GradSHOEation as part of its Commencement Ceremony

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (April 28, 2014) – Broward College will celebrate its 81^st commencement ceremony in style, encouraging students to show off their fanciest footwear and individuality at the College’s third annual GradSHOEation™  event on Wednesday, May 7, at 12:30 p.m. at the BB&T Center, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise. The pre-ceremony celebration was created after Broward College administrators noticed shoes were becoming a big part of commencement and an even bigger topic of conversation after graduates marched across the stage.

“GradSHOEation™ was recently established, and it was a big hit with students, faculty and staff,” said Aileen Izquierdo, vice president for public affairs and marketing. “Graduation shoes are a major focal point at commencement, and we thought the event would be a great way to engage with our students and celebrate this milestone in their lives.”

From sky-high stilettos to fancy flats and imaginative DIY creations, the footwear styles of graduates have emerged as a full-fledged backstage fashion event, complete with a step-and-repeat and a photographer to document the shoes for the College’s social media platforms.

This year’s event will be accompanied by a shoe drive, allowing the 2014 graduating class the opportunity to give back to the community before leaving as graduates. Broward College will donate the collected shoes to In Jacob’s Shoes, a local organization that provides new and gently used shoes, school supplies, athletic shoes and equipment to economically disadvantaged youth.

For more information on GradSHOEation™, contact Tina David at tdavid@broward.edu or 954-673-5585. To learn more about In Jacob’s Shoes, visit www.injacobsshoes.org.

-BC-