Broward College Celebrates Winter 2014 Commencement

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (May 7, 2014) –Broward College conferred more than 3,300 degrees today at its 81^st commencement ceremony at the BB&T Center, 1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise. These students joined more than 118,000 undergraduates who have graduated from Broward College since it was established in 1959.

“We commend all of our graduates on their many accomplishments and wish them much success in their future endeavors,” said Broward College President J. David Armstrong, Jr. “This major milestone empowers them to meet their academic and career goals, and so much more.”

Fort Lauderdale lawyer Eugene K. Pettis was this year’s keynote speaker. Pettis is the current president of the Florida Bar and co-founder of Haliczer Pettis & Schwamm. In 2013, Pettis became the first African-American president in the Bar’s history, and he currently leads the country’s second-largest Bar with membership exceeding 96,000 lawyers. He holds a bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Florida.
           
This commencement ceremony, Broward College’s supply chain management program conferred its first Bachelor of Science degree to student Alberto-Romero Partida. The program officially began in January 2013 and prepares students with the knowledge related to the major concepts, principles, and techniques associated with supply chain management in the global economy.     

To celebrate the lighthearted and fun side of commencement, Broward College helped graduates celebrate this milestone in their lives by hosting #GradSHOEation — a social media event intertwined with community engagement. Through sky-high stilettos, fancy flats, classic Chuck Taylors and more, graduates were encouraged to stand out from a sea of blue and black gowns by showing off their fanciest footwear. During this commencement ceremony, a shoe drive was held, allowing the 2014 graduating class the opportunity to give back to the community before leaving as graduates. Broward College is donating the shoes to In Jacob’s Shoes, a local organization that collects new and gently used shoes for children and adults.
           

During Broward College’s commencement ceremony, more than 2,500 associate’s and 160 bachelor’s degrees were awarded – a 24 percent increase over the fall commencement. The winter graduating class represented 85 countries. The oldest graduate was 65 and the youngest was 16. There were more than 150 graduates over the age of 50. 

There were several graduates who had inspiring student success stories to share, including:

• Alberto-Romero Partida, 43, is a U.S. Department of Agriculture scholarship recipient and the first graduate of Broward College’s supply chain management program. Partida recently accepted a position at an organization that provides food, agriculture, and industrial products and services worldwide, and is working as an internal trade assistant.
• Natalie von Cieminski, 24, is an accomplished dancer who grew up in Germany and dreamed of attending college in the United States. With a modest upbringing and strong desire to study overseas, she worked hard to get herself out of the ballroom and into the classroom. As a talented student and local television personality, von Cieminski graduated with an Associate of Science degree in business administration management. 
• Deborah Ally, 63, was in a serious accident in 2008, which resulted in several surgeries, chronic pain and debilitating anxiety. Following a slow recovery, Ally decided to go back to school after a 22-year hiatus and start fresh with a business degree. But, her path quickly changed when she came across several supportive and caring mentors who gave her new perspective – a camera lens. Ally graduated with an associate’s degree in art and will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the fall.
• Christina Heagney, 16, graduated with an Associate of Arts degree and will graduate from the College Academy @ Broward College with a high school diploma. One of the two youngest graduates this semester, she plans to study engineering at a Florida university.

For more information regarding Broward College’s commencement ceremony, contact Tina David at 954-201-7510 or tdavid@broward.edu.

-BC-