U.S. Senator Bill Nelson to address graduates

LAKELAND, Fla. (Dec. 5, 2007) — Florida Southern College will confer degrees to 209 graduates at its December commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. in FCS’s Branscomb Auditorium. The Honorable Bill Nelson, U.S. senator from Florida, will deliver the commencement address.

“The Florida Southern community is extremely proud of the accomplishments of our graduates, and we are delighted that they will have the opportunity to hear from one of the preeminent members of the United States Senate, who has devoted a lifetime of distinguished service to our state and nation,” said President Anne Kerr.

Graduating Saturday will be seniors from the college’s traditional day program, the Lakeland evening program, and the Orlando and Ocala programs. Thirteen students will receive their master’s degrees. 

Nelson will receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree in recognition of his outstanding career in service to the citizens of Florida. As a fifth-generation Floridian, he has served the people of his home state for more than three decades, first as state legislator, then as congressman, then as a state Cabinet officer, and now as Florida's senior United States senator. He currently serves on the Senate Commerce, Armed Services, Budget, Foreign Relations, Intelligence, and Aging committees and is recognized as the leading congressional expert on NASA.

Joe P. Ruthven, respected Lakeland businessman, will also receive an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree, in recognition of his lifelong leadership in business and community service. Ruthven is founder and owner of The Ruthvens and Joe P. Ruthven Investments, one of the largest brokers/developers of warehouse space in the Lakeland area with 2.5-million square feet of space in more than 75 properties.

About Florida Southern College
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College is a private, comprehensive United Methodist-affiliated college with a liberal arts core. The College maintains its commitment to academic excellence through 46 undergraduate majors and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, and nursing. Florida Southern has a 13:1 student/faculty ratio; is a national leader in engaged learning; and boasts 26 NCAA Division II national championships. It is ranked in the Top 5 “Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the South” by U.S. News & World Report and is included in The Princeton Review’s “366 Best Colleges” guide. The College is committed to the development of the whole student through vibrant student life programs that prepare graduates to make a positive, consequential impact on society. Located on scenic Lake Hollingsworth, Florida Southern is home to the world’s largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture.