Keiser University’s Melbourne campus will celebrate many “firsts” this weekend when it holds spring 2018 commencement exercises. Among the 150 students who will cross the stage to accept diplomas will be members of the campus’ first graduating classes in Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition, Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine and Fitness Technology, and Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapist Assistant. The ceremony starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 9 at the King Center for the Performing Arts on 3865 N. Wickham Rd in Melbourne, FL.

 

“Our campus staff and faculty join our graduate’s families in celebrating their personal and academic achievements,” said Campus President Colleen Browne said.  “We wish them well as they enter into rewarding careers that will allow them to further serve the communities in which we live and work. Well done class of 2018!”

 

The class valedictorian, Samantha Sordyl earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree after earning an Associate of Science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant. She succeeded in attaining her educational goals and managing many personal accomplishments to graduate at the top of her class.

 

“I achieved in balancing working two jobs, planning a wedding, getting married, having not one but two beautiful children, and volunteering any spare time that I had while taking 24 credits a semester,” Sordyl said. “One thing is for sure, I would not have been able to overcome these crazy obstacles to be up here standing today if it weren’t for the support of my absolutely amazing and good-looking husband. He was there literally every step of the way for myself and our children.”

 

The salutatorian, Brian Mardy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing after earning an Associate of Science degree in Nursing. Brian is a Student Veteran and is active in the military.

 

This year’s commencement speaker is Très Holton, deputy mayor at the City of Palm Bay. After being elected to the Palm Bay City Council and serving his first term in office, he worked as a legislative assistant for the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, the Florida House of Representatives, and the Florida Senate. In 2014, Très was again elected to City Council where he currently serves as Deputy Mayor.

 

For more than 40 years, Keiser University has been a talent development leader providing over 100 doctoral through associate degrees in workforce shortage areas in Florida’s targeted industries. Keiser’s “students first” philosophy combines foundational skills, leadership preparation, financial literacy, student support services – including tutoring, writing and math labs. Campuses throughout the state provide convenient scheduling options for students, many of whom are working adults.