Congressman Alcee L. Hastings to Give American InterContinental University South Florida Commencement Address
June 8, 2011
Weston, Fla. (June 8, 2011) – Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-Miramar) will share advice and perspective gained through his unique experience as a pioneering civil rights activist, federal judge and United States representative with more than 300 graduating students of American InterContinental University’s South Florida campus at the school’s spring commencement.
The ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at the Broward County Convention Center. Congressman Hastings will be available to speak to members of the media at 12:00 p.m. in the Convention Center’s stage area.
Congressman Hastings has represented Florida’s 23rd District since 1992, when he was the first African-American elected to Congress from Florida since the post-Civil War period. Currently, he serves as a Senior Democratic whip, a senior member of the House Rules Committee, and as the ranking Democratic member of the Helsinki Commission. Previously, Congressman Hastings held the title of Vice Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and ranks among Congress’ most respected voices in international affairs.
In 1979, Hastings broke new ground when President Jimmy Carter appointed him as the first African-American federal judge in Florida’s history. Hastings graduated from Fisk University, and earned his law degree at Florida A&M in Tallahassee.
“It’s a privilege to have Congressman Hastings speak to our graduates, and I know they’ll benefit from hearing what he’s learned through his time as a public servant here in Florida and in Washington, D.C.,” said Hisham Shaban, president of AIU South Florida. “Our nation and our students are facing great challenges, and it’s important they hear the stories and wisdom of someone who has faced and overcome great challenges.”
About American InterContinental University
Founded in Europe in 1970, American InterContinental University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in programs such as business, IT, criminal justice and design at U.S. campuses in Atlanta, Houston, Weston, Fla.; an international campus in London; and an internet-based online campus headquartered in suburban Chicago. The award-winning AIU Online Virtual Campus was recognized as "Best of the Best" in the 2009 Computerworld Honors Program.
AIU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Additional information is available at www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. The Higher learning Commission should be contacted only with respect to matters of accreditation and all other inquiries should be directed to the University.
AIU is a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information, visit www.aiuniv.edu. AIU cannot guarantee employment or salary.