Keiser University’s Port St. Lucie Campus Commencement Ceremony held special meaning for US veterans and sisters Natasha and Charlene le Gendre as they were awarded their degrees along with their brother-in-law Gabriel McMinn. To view WPBF (ABC) News coverage of the event, please visit here.

With the motto of ‘family first,’ the trio has supported each other tremendously while ensuring the wish of Natasha and Charlene’s late mother Joyce came to fruition. “We’ve come a long way after losing our mom in 2020. She wanted nothing more than to see us do well. Now here we are doing well together,” smiled Natasha who is currently employed as an emergency room nurse and will graduate with her Master of Science in Nursing degree. “Although our learning tracks were different, we made time to support each other with studying, proofreading, or just by providing moral support when we each needed a little motivation,” she said.

Attracted to Keiser University because of its personalized approach to learning, flexible schedules, and more, the group calls the university’s Port St. Lucie campus their ‘home away from home,’ and is thankful for the support of each other, as well as additional family members who all lent a hand when needed. Often commuting together and joining for after-class study sessions at a local restaurant, they embraced the challenge, knowing the day of celebration would eventually come.

“Studying was hard at first because I had to get accustomed to the class schedules and routine. Once I got the hang of it, my family helped me through the courses that were a little difficult by studying and quizzing me. My teachers also were very supportive by always reaching out and allowing me to ask questions about my concerns whenever I needed,” recalled Charlene who will receive her Associate of Science degree in Graphic Art and Design.

“Becoming a nurse humbled me and helped me recognize the importance of family and my classmates. Being a military veteran, learning the civilian way of learning took a village to support me through. My family provided me the confidence to never quit and keep pressing on,” said Gabriel who will earn his Associate of Science in Nursing degree and would like to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

When asked what they’d recommend to others who are striving to realize their dreams, Natasha said, “Press on…. stay true and faithful to your vision. God has been the center of our success and He remains the anchor.”

Keiser University’s College of Nursing provides a number of pathways and degree levels for students who want to prepare to become successful in the field. The Graphic Arts and Design program at Keiser University builds upon interest in the visual arts, design, and communication to help students learn a variety of software applications and design principles in order to create successful design solutions. Graphic artists and designers influence how people see the world, where people shop, how people vote, how people learn, and what people remember.

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.

Keiser University’s Family Trio of Graduates Shared Their Story with ABC Viewers

Keiser University’s Family Trio of Graduates Shared Their Story with ABC Viewers

L-R: KU Senior Vice Chancellor of Finance/Treasurer/CFO Joseph Berardinelli, PSL Acting Police Chief Richard Del Toro, KU graduate Natasha de Gendre, KU Valedictorian Tatsiana Minevich, KU graduate Charlene le Gendre, Congressman Brian Mast, KU graduate Gabriel McMinn and KU PSL Campus President Leslie Kristof

Natasha and Charlene le Gendre with Gabriel McMinn