(BLACK PR WIRE) – MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Florida Memorial University is pleased to announce that it will host its Spring 2014 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at the Florida Memorial University Clock Tower Promenade. The Ceremony, which will be held outdoors, will include a processional and recessional along the promenade accompanied by drummers. A segment of the promenade will be lined by International flags that represent some of the nations of student candidates. Prior to the official Commencement, there will be a Baccalaureate Service, beginning at 8:30 a.m., in the Susie C. Holley Religious Center at Florida Memorial University. The Reverend Joseph D. Turner, D. Min. of The Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (Miami, Florida), will address the graduates, parents, University community and constituents. Both commencement ceremonies are open to the public.

The consummate professional, Dr. Turner pursued his collegiate education in Florida, attending Florida Memorial College (FMC). There he obtained a Bachelors of Sociology degree (1991). Dr. Turner received his Master of Divinity degree in 1994 from Virginia Union University School of Theology, and in 2003, he obtained his Doctorate in Ministry from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

“Florida Memorial University will recognize approximately 159 undergraduate and graduate students who have completed all academic requirements for graduation,” stated Dr. Denise Callwood-Brathwaite, Associate Provost.

The speaker for the commencement ceremony is Mr. Alberto Carvalho, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Superintendent Carvalho became Superintendent of the nation’s fourth largest school system in September 2008. He is a nationally recognized expert on school reform and finance who successfully transformed his district’s business operations and financial systems with the implementation of a streamlined Strategic Framework focused on a singular goal of student achievement. Superintendent Carvalho was selected as Florida’s 2014 Superintendent of the Year, as well as the 2014 National Superintendent of the Year. Additionally, he was named by Scholastic Administrator as one of “The Fantastic Five” educators making a difference in America. Superintendent Carvalho will be introduced by Dr. Mildred E. Berry, Dean of Education, who was once his instructor.

Superintendent Carvalho, along with Dr. Robert B. Hayling, will be presented with Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the ceremony.

Dr. Robert B. Hayling graduated from Florida A&M College in 1951 with a BS degree in Biology. He is a former Lieutenant with the United States Air Force, and the first Black Dentist in Florida to be elected to the local, regional, state, and national components of the American Dental Association.

A key highlight of the event will include a performance by the FMU Ambassador Chorale, who will perform their signature rendition of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” as well as a surprise send-off song for the Class of 2014. The Spring 2014 Commencement Ceremony will be the first for Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis as the University’s 13th President.

For more information about the Commencement Ceremonies, please contact Erica McKinney, Director of Public Affairs at 305-626-3626.

About Florida Memorial University:
Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution that offers 42 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld a commitment to provide a solid foundation for thousands of young people and to open doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” For more information, call 305-626-3600 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.