US Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, provides keys to success for FMU graduates entering the next stage of their life.

(Black PR Wire) -- MIAMI GARDENS, FL.–Florida Memorial University – May 2015 “Today I want to share with you some lessons I have learned in the last 36 years since I sat where you sit today.“That was the message given to the 2015 Spring graduates brought by United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson. It was ten lessons, that if followed, would propel one into success, “beyond comprehension,” Secretary Johnson warned.

As class of 2015 Florida Memorial University graduate, Shanisse Lanoue put it “we are so blessed to be in the midst of greatness,” as she referred to Secretary Johnson. His plan included personal accounts such as his journey as a C – D student through his sophomore year at Morehouse College. With leaps and bounds, Secretary Johnson overcame his self inflicted hurdles to become a 4.0 student. His first lesson for students advised that “you have it within you to do far more than you know. I am living proof of that.”

Secretary Johnson’s advice ranged from putting forth maximum effort in all endeavors despite how menial the task to seeking a mentor. The lesson for thought came at number eight for students. Secretary Johnson encouraged them to consider a career in public service and to be productive.

Those sentiments were echoed by Florida Memorial president, Dr. Roslyn C. Artis, “It is not enough that we produce graduates. We must also produce proactive citizens who are committed to improving their communities and their countries.“Immediately following Secretary Johnson’s address Dr. Artis and the Vice-Chairman for Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees, John Ruffin, presented Secretary Jeh Johnson the President’s Award in appreciation for serving as keynote speaker for the 2015 Spring Commencement Ceremony.

The Fourth Secretary of Homeland Security was then presented by Dr. Denise Callwood-Brathwaite, associate provost, with an honorary doctorate degree of Humane Letters. Fedrick Ingram, the president ofUnited Teachers of Dade, was also presented with an honorary doctorate degree of Humane Letters.

Honorable dignitaries in attendance for the graduation were Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Chairman Jean Monestime, and City of Miami Gardens Council Member, Lisa Davis. For more information about the Commencement Ceremonies, please contact Florida Memorial University, 305-626-3000.


What: 2015 Spring Commencement Ceremony
When: May 2, 2015
Time: 8:30 am
Where: Florida Memorial University Clock Tower Promenade
15800 N.W. 42ndAvenue
Miami Gardens, FL 33054


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 a commitment to provide a solid foundation for thousands of young people and to open 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.” For more information, call 305-626-3600 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.