United States Secretary of Homeland Security offers personal advice from his life to the 2015 Spring graduates of Florida Memorial University

United States Secretary of Homeland Security offers personal advice from his life to the 2015 Spring graduates of Florida Memorial University

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

Dr. Artis and the Vice-Chairman for Florida Memorial University Board of Trustees, John Ruffin, presented Secretary Jeh Johnson the President’s Award.

“We are so blessed to be in the midst of greatness.” —Shanisse Lanoue

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Florida Memorial University – May 3, 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 10 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 of United 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.