It’s Spring Commencement Week, one of the most important times of the year at FAU. On Thursday, May 1, and Friday, May 2, we’ll celebrate the graduation of 2,891 students in six ceremonies that will take place in the Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium on the Boca campus. Students representing 52 countries will march in those ceremonies, illustrating the rich diversity of the FAU community. 

Our Spring 2014 graduating class includes 16-year-old Grace Bush, who will receive a degree in criminal justice magna cum laude. Grace has been simultaneously enrolled at FAU High, and on May 9 she’ll receive her high school diploma.

Special honors will be conferred upon three individuals during our commencement ceremonies. 

Ms. Louise Jones Gopher will receive the President’s Distinguished Service Medallion for her many years of dedicated service to the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The first Seminole woman to earn a university degree, Ms. Gopher graduated from FAU’s College of Business in 1970 and went on to play a major role in developing an educational program for the Tribe’s children that emphasizes their cultural heritage.

Mr. Tom Workman, a 1971 graduate of the College of Business, will be inducted into the FAU National Alumni Association Hall of Fame. A highly successful CPA, he has maintained his connection with FAU over the years, serving in many important volunteer capacities. He’s currently vice chair of the FAU Board of Trustees.

Dr. Roy Church, the president of Lorain County Community College (LCCC) in Ohio, will be awarded the Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Dr. Church holds both master’s and doctoral degrees from FAU’s College of Education. During his 27 years at the helm of LCCC, he has introduced innovations that have become models for other colleges around the country.

Congratulations to all of our special honorees and our Spring 2014 graduating class! Because of space limitations in the Kaye Auditorium admission is by ticket only, but the ceremonies will be webcast in their entirety via a link on the FAU homepage: www.fau.edu.