Keiser University’s Commencement Ceremony will hold special meaning for sisters Anaya Lopez and Daisy Arroyo as they graduate together on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Flagship Campus.

A Shared Journey Toward Academic Success

The sisters have embraced educational and service-driven journeys that have led them to the important milestone.

Anaya, a learner at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus, will be awarded her Master of Science degree in Sport Management Operations, a career path that aligns with her lifelong passion for athletics.

“I chose Sports Management because athletics have always played a major role in my life. Through sports, I built lifelong friendships, gained incredible mentors, and learned valuable life lessons. I want to make a positive impact on the next generation of athletes in the same way my coaches impacted me,” she said.

From Military Service to Software Engineering

Daisy, a U.S. veteran who attended Keiser University’s Tampa Campus, will earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering. A self-described cryptologist, she explained that her major closely relates to her Cryptologic Technician (Collections), or CTR, Navy rating.

“I greatly enjoy puzzles and technology, so I naturally gravitated toward the intelligence community. I have always been interested in broadening my horizons within the Software Engineering world. Ultimately, I would like to bridge my expertise as a cryptologist with my education in software engineering to become a stronger analyst and to continue my work in national defense,” she said.

Strong Family Support and Sisterhood

While crediting their entire family for ongoing encouragement, the sisters shared that the mutual support they experienced growing up has carried into adulthood.

“Even while attending different campuses, we made time for regular phone calls and check-ins. We understand each other’s busy schedules and consistently encourage and uplift one another,” said Anaya.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have a supportive family that always encouraged the importance of higher education. Now, as I complete my master’s degree, it feels surreal to know that I will be walking the stage alongside my sister. What makes this moment even more special is that our family gets to celebrate not just one, but two college graduates.”

Balancing Military Service and College

A former active-duty Navy Petty Officer First Class from 2017–2023 and now a Navy Reservist, Daisy is currently stationed at the United States Central Command located at MacDill Air Force Base. She shared that balancing coursework with military service has been both challenging and rewarding.

“This graduation ceremony will be a deeply meaningful milestone for my family and me. One of my biggest concerns entering a university later in my twenties was whether I would be able to adapt to large class sizes and impersonal relationships with professors. However, Keiser’s small class sizes and supportive faculty created an environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and truly understanding the material,” she said.

“The learning environment allowed me to strengthen both my technical skills and my confidence as a student. Through hands-on coursework and guidance from my professors, I established a solid foundation in software engineering while continuing to grow professionally.”

A Meaningful Milestone for the Entire Family

Daisy added that the encouragement of her Naval peers — especially her parents and sister Anaya — played a major role in her success. She reflected on how their roles have shifted over time.

“For years, I checked in on her and encouraged her to finish her degree, making sure she stayed on track. Now the roles feel somewhat reversed. She encouraged me to pursue my degree regardless of my age and reassured me that it was never too late to continue my education.”

Looking Ahead to Service-Driven Careers

With service-focused career goals, Daisy plans to remain a Navy Reservist and possibly commission as a Cryptologic Officer before contributing to the national defense community in a civilian role.

Anaya looks forward to working in sports administration or event planning and hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes.

“As long as you continue to try and you believe in yourself, everything will work out,” she said.

Keiser University’s Master of Science in Sport Management and Operations (MSSMO) degree is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed for a professional career in the sport industry. This master’s degree in sports management program prepares students for a variety of positions in the business of sports. The program imbues students with critical thinking skills, business acumen, and communication abilities to lead a multitude of sports endeavors – from little league to scholastic sports to higher education sports to professional sports. Ethical foundations and professional standards are established and reinforced. The MSSMO program encourages creativity and independent learning, while fostering a climate of classroom collaboration.

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering prepares students with the knowledge and practical skills to function in entry-level positions within the profession. The degree program starts out with Computer Science courses as the foundation and then continues with a curriculum that concentrates specifically on Software Engineering for the higher-level courses.  The curriculum emphasizes software requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing and deployment.

Since 1977, Keiser University has been empowering students to achieve their career dreams. As one of Florida’s largest private, non-profit institutions, founded by Dr. Arthur Keiser and Evelyn Keiser, it offers:

• Over 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level
• Recognition as the No. 1 university in the U.S. for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report (2023)
• Proud membership in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
• A legacy of excellence in education spanning more than 45 years

Don’t wait to start building your future. Contact Keiser University today and take the first step toward your dream career. Call Toll-Free: 888-KEISER-9  or Contact a Keiser Campus near you. Schedule your campus tour and learn more about our flexible programs, financial aid options, and career services support.