(BLACK PR WIRE) – MIAMI GARDENS, FL (May 20, 2011) – According to the Schott Foundation, only half of black male students graduate from high school. In an effort to address this crisis, Florida Memorial University (FMU) president, Dr. Henry Lewis, III, along with other university officials, will launch the first High School Black Male Baccalaureate Service on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at 5 p.m. The event strives to honor outstanding black male students who will graduate from high school, and encourage the young men to continue their education. The service will be held at the Lou Rawls Center for the Performing Arts on FMU’s campus.

“In my Vision 2020 plan, we embrace a ‘Communiversity’ philosophy that merges needs and concerns of the community with the university,” President Lewis commented when asked about the program. “We need these young men more than ever. They are our future leaders and are indeed heroes.” Ninety-eight percent of FMU’s Black Male College Explorers Program (BMCEP) graduates earned college placement. Honorees may be eligible for BMCEP’s new summer dual enrollment program where attendees stay on campus and take college courses that focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“I refuse to believe the notion that ‘not all people’ are college material,” shared Kareem Coney, director of the BMCEP, which boasts a 100% high school graduation rate. “We have the opportunity to expose these young men to the resources that will help them achieve upward mobility and become successful contributors to their families and communities.”

FMU invites the entire community to join in congratulating the young men on their achievements. For more information about the BMCEP, this event, or how to be a part of Florida Memorial’s renewed vision under President Lewis, please contact Ms. Joyce Forchion or Mr. Zachary Rinkins in the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624.

About Florida Memorial University:

Florida Memorial University is a private, undergraduate and graduate degree-granting institution located in Miami Gardens, Florida. Florida Memorial’s history and traditions date back to 1879. Its legacy of determination and accomplishment has made it one of Florida’s longest surviving centers of academic excellence. Offering 41 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs, Florida Memorial is a culturally diverse institution that is committed to transforming lives and helping to create a future for people from many races, ethnicities, countries, religions and socio-economic backgrounds. The university offers its students a promise and a future, and has opened doors to educational opportunities that may have been previously closed for many students. The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, the National Association of Schools of Music, and the Council on Social Work Education. Today, Florida Memorial is committed to the pursuit of excellence and continues to educate youth, intellectually and spiritually. Strong moral character, mutual respect, freedom of worship and a commitment to serve are the hallmarks of what it means to be a Florida Memorial Lion. For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs at (305) 626-3624 or visit www.fmuniv.edu.

WHO: FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY â - BLACK MALE COLLEGE EXPLORERS PROGRAM

WHAT: 2011 HIGH SCHOOL BLACK MALE BACCALAUREATE SERVICE

WHEN: SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2011 AT 5 P.M.

WHERE: LOU RAWLS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS â - FLORIDA MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY â - 15800 N.W. 42ND AVE. MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA 33054