Miramar, FL- United International College commemorated its annual commencement ceremony on Friday, June 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the parking lot of its campus in the Miramar Park of Commerce, 3130 Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 with the support of the Miramar Police Department.
UIC celebrated the culmination of the academic journey of 22 students earning associate and bachelor degrees in Business, Communications and Tourism. These 22 fine students represent Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil and the United Arab Emirates.
The ceremony began with a drive by parade from the graduating students, followed by a speech from UIC’s founding president, Lydia Bautista Möller, “The world needs you more than ever…Also, we are happy to celebrate our first graduating ceremony with our new name, United International College. Name that represents our community with the incredible cultures we welcome every day. Our growth wouldn’t be possible without the voice of each of you and we want you to know that this is your home and will be your alma mater…UIC stands with every minority, gender, race, religion, and recognizes the movement that has led us to become more inclusive and respectful of all lives. We all are equally important.”
Commencement student speaker and Summa Cum Laude, Laura Steudel, added “although we are immigrants, we are united. I want to thank you for supporting me throughout these years. This United family will support us always. I want to remind you that we are in a country where being unique is embraced. All our ideas have weight. Find something you love and pursue it.”
A caravan parade with the commencement students followed to award their diplomas. Faculty members and board of directors greeted students from a distance with farewell message signs. Right after Laura’s speech, the Miramar Police and Fire Department officers surprised the grads with a celebratory drive by parade from their police patrols and fire trucks. They held signs that read “Congratulations Class of 2020”.
During these difficult times of social distancing, UIC joins with the community to inspire and celebrate the efforts of UIC’s graduating students who culminated their degrees under the difficult circumstances faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ceremony was broadcasted live through social media for family and friends to join this solemn academic act.