Florida Atlantic University

MEDIA CONTACT: Andrew LaPlant
561-297-3022, alaplant@fau.edu or
Kristine McGrath
561-297-1168, kmcgrath@fau.edu

FAU Celebrates Summer Commencement

BOCA RATON, FL (August 12, 2005) - Florida Atlantic University conferred more than 1,500 degrees today during two summer commencement ceremonies. These students join more than 90,000 alumni who have graduated from FAU since its inception.

"Commencement is a magnificent opportunity for FAU's students, faculty, staff and the extended FAU family to celebrate the great accomplishments of these graduates," said FAU President Frank T. Brogan. "With the tools acquired through their success at FAU, these students will have the opportunity to achieve their part of the American dream."

FAU's Summer Commencement highlighted the accomplishments of several outstanding graduates, including:

Lauren Rosenberg, a student born with Cerebral Palsy, who later learned she would also have to battle dyslexia. She firmly believes that she has a responsibility to herself and a desire and need to serve as an inspiration to those surrounding her. Rosenberg's goals following graduation are to become an author and continue her volunteer work, which is very important to her. Today, she graduated with bachelor's degrees in English and interdisciplinary studies from FAU's Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters.
Collins Assisi, a student originally from Bombay, India, is receiving his doctoral degree in complex systems and brain sciences from the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. A recipient of the Dr. Daniel B. and Aural B. Newell Doctoral Fellowship, he has conducted intensive research and experiments related to complex systems alongside FAU faculty members. Assisi is currently working at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California as a post-doctorate fellow. His future plans include continuing his research and teaching in India.

A few interesting facts regarding today's commencement, include - Of the 1,530 graduates, 75 of them are over the age of 50. The oldest graduate is 66 years of age. The youngest graduate is 19 years old. In addition, today's graduates represent 61 countries.

Commencement for all of FAU's colleges was held in FAU's gymnasium, 777 Glades Road. In addition, the ceremony was cybercasted at www.fau.edu.

- FAU -