Keiser University’s Sarasota Campus Commencement Ceremony recently held special meaning for a star student as she was called to the stage with the surprise of being honored as class Valedictorian. Currently an Investigator for the Sarasota Public Defender’s Office 12th Judicial Circuit, Christy Marek joined Sarasota Chief of Police Rex Troche who delivered the Commencement Address virtually.

Marek shared that she is thankful for the foundational skills she’s experienced as a Keiser University Law Enforcement Operations learner as well as the course schedules which are designed to eliminate juggling several classes or multiple assignments and exams simultaneously. “KU taught me how to thoroughly do an investigation, read a police report, and understand crime scenes and photos of crime scenes along with any other evidentiary items,” she said. “I really loved the classes in our program as well as being able to focus on one class a month. It allowed me to learn more,” said Marek who plans to eventually become a private investigator.

“Commencement is one of our most anticipated events of the year, as we look forward to celebrating our graduates. We have watched their hard work and sacrifice and now it’s time to celebrate all they have accomplished. The pride in their faces, along with that of their family, friends, and children is what brings a smile to the rest of us. With over 85% of our graduates remaining local, we are very fortunate to have them contributing to our workforce,” said Keiser University Sarasota Campus President and Associate Vice Chancellor Dr. Michele Morgan.

Marek celebrated the milestone with fellow learners Gabe Correa Melendez, a Law Enforcement Operations graduate who delivered the student address, and Kristie Martinez, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate who was surprised with the honor of salutatorian. In addition to crediting her Keiser educational experience, Martinez shared thanks to her mother for inspiring her to enter the profession and to her husband for his support. “I’d always wanted to be a nurse, but back in my younger years I really didn’t have the time or opportunity to do it, so when it came about that I had a window in my adult life, I decided to go ahead and take it. I give that credit to my mother.  I’d watched her be a wonderful nurse as a child, and I knew that was what I wanted for my life as well.  My mom was an inspiration and one of the kindest and most compassionate nurses I’ve ever known,” she said.

Keiser University’s Bachelors of Science degree in Law Enforcement Operations (BSLEO) program prepares students for career positions in various areas within the field of law enforcement.  It provides students with in-depth exposure to the criminal justice system and the forensic investigations field.  The BSLEO is delivered through a unique hybrid format to maximize student learning and promote career development in a flexible scheduled format while also maximizing efficiency in resources.  Fundamental areas critical to both public and private sector entry-level positions are included in the program such as crime scene investigation, fingerprinting, introduction to law enforcement, criminal investigation, forensic photography, and police communications report writing.  In addition, the program prepares students with competencies in real-world applications that emphasize identifying, locating, documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence within legal frameworks.  Students may select from concentrations in Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation, or Courts and Corrections.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 1 in the U.S. in providing Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023.