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Class of ’08: Largest Hodges University class ever graduates
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Class of '08: Hodges University commencement ceremony
Hodges University commencement ceremony was held Sunday, June 8, 2008, at Germain Arena in Estero.
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Be fearless and take chances.
That was the message state Sen. Burt L. Saunders delivered during the keynote speech at Hodges University’s 18th annual commencement Sunday at Germain Arena in Estero.
“Have the nerve to go into unexplored territory. Be brave enough to live life creatively and take risks to accomplish your goals,” said Saunders, R-Naples.
He added that, even if they had to leave their comfort zone, graduates shouldn’t shy away when it comes to making the difficult — if sometimes uncomfortable decisions — because the payoff was worth the effort.
“What you will discover will be wonderful,” said Saunders. “What you will discover is yourself.”
More than 1,000 people attended the nearly two-hour long ceremony Sunday.
Hodges conferred degrees to 576 graduates at the event, the largest graduating class since the founding of the school in 1990 — and one-third of the school’s current population.
“Of these 576 students, 95 percent will stay right here in Southwest Florida ... and give back to the community,” said Hodges spokesman Joe Turner.
The graduates’ ages’ ranged from 20 to 63 and spanned the school’s 23 programs. In addition, members of the graduation class hailed from counties all over Southwest Florida, including 38 from Charlotte, 213 from Collier, 57 from Hernando, 243 from Lee, 17 from Manatee and seven from Pasco County.
Among those graduating were 21-year-old twins Alyssa M. DeLora and Cara M. Enright.
Their brother had attended Hodges, which led to DeLora to enroll there. Enright followed soon after, and both received their associate degrees.
“It was an excellent experience,” said Enright, who received her degree in criminology. “It’s a great college.”
It was a family affair, with more than 20 members of the Enright clan attending the ceremony.
Among them was Alyssa’s husband Peter DeLora, 32, who attended the event with their 5-month-old daughter Isabella.
“(Alyssa has) put a lot of work into it,” said DeLora.
Also in the stands was the twins’ father, Anthony Enright, 47, who cheered as each walked up to receive her diploma.
“I’m extremely proud,” their father said.
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Congratulations to all the grads!! Good luck!
#1 Posted by fdiaz78 on June 9, 2008 at 7:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
congrats Class of '08
I was in the First 4 year class from ICN. Class of '93
#2 Posted by HOMEBOY2 on June 9, 2008 at 1:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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