TAMPA, FL – May 15, 2010 – Keiser University’s Tampa, Clearwater and New Port Richey campuses will celebrate spring commencement on Saturday, May 18 with more than 160 students accepting their diplomas. The joint ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., May 18, at Grace Family Church on 5100 West Waters Ave. in Tampa.

“The staff and faculty of these Keiser University campuses are extraordinarily proud of the accomplishments of our graduates who are participating in this commencement ceremony,” Campus President Brandon Barnhill said.

The valedictorian for this graduating class is Kyra Antonelli, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. The salutatorian Jennifer Lin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Software Engineering.

This year’s commencement speaker is County Commissioner Ken Hagan. Commissioner Hagen is a native and lifelong resident of Hillsborough County. He was first elected to the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners in November 2002 and was re-elected in 2004 and 2008 to District 2. He was elected to represent countywide District 5 in 2010 and 2014. During that time, he has held the leadership positions of Chaplain in Fiscal Years 2003, 2004 and 2010; Vice Chairman in Fiscal Years 2005, 2006 and 2007; and he was chosen by his peers to serve as Chairman in Fiscal Years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Also, Commissioner Hagan has chaired the county’s transportation task force.

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.

About Keiser University:

Co-founded in 1977 by Dr. Arthur Keiser, Chancellor, Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students offering 100 degrees at 20 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites, employing 3,800 faculty and staff.

Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Keiser University.

For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit www.keiseruniversity.edu.