(BLACK PR WIRE) – MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Florida Memorial University (FMU), South Florida’s only historically black university, recently culminated another semester of transforming learners into leaders during its annual summer/fall combined commencement ceremony. His Excellency Sir Arthur Foulkes, governor-general of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, traveled from Nassau to Miami Gardens to salute FMU’s graduating classes. The event marked the first time a sitting commander in chief participated in the university’s commencement exercise.

“There is no university in South Florida, and indeed, the world, that better prepares students to become leaders than Florida Memorial University,” said Dr. Henry Lewis, III, president of FMU. “Florida Memorial has high standards for our students and graduates. We aim to prepare our students to succeed in this increasingly competitive and global marketplace. We are honored to expose future world leaders and the entire community to such a distinguished and world-class champion of freedom.”

His Excellency Sir Foulkes was born in Matthew Town, Inagua. He spent his professional career as a journalist, supporter of Bahamian independence, politician and civil rights advocate. His distinguished contributions in service of the Bahamian people include elections to parliament, ambassadorships to China and several European countries, founding the Free National Party and being knighted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2010, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Sir Foulkes to the position of governor-general and as her representative in The Bahamas. Sir Foulkes spent his adult life fighting for freedom and equality. He encouraged the graduates and audience to do likewise.

“I urge you to go beyond the need to make a living,” Sir Foulkes said. “And, consider the challenge of making life worth living through service to others. The imperative of service should not be an afterthought for those who wish to live fully, exuberantly and wonderfully.”

FMU has a 132-year history of educational excellence. This year’s ceremony saw nearly 100 graduates transition to the next phase of their adult lives.

For more information, contact the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624, or FMUInformation@FMUniv.edu for media inquiries.

About Florida Memorial University:

Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution that offers 42 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has upheld its commitment to providing a solid foundation for thousands of young people and opening doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida’s only Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized as the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” and, the home of student Barrington Irving, Jr., the first pilot of African descent and youngest pilot ever to fly solo around the world. FMU is led by Dr. Henry Lewis, III, Pharm.D., the university’s 12th president. For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624. You can support FMU by visiting www.fmuniv.edu.