CSU Press Release
CSU HOLDS LARGEST GRADUATION IN SCHOOL’S HISTORY
CSU Graduates Met for First Time at World’s Second Largest Air and Space Museum
More than 1,200 graduates and guests from around the globe traveled to Pensacola, Florida today to attend the annual CSU graduation ceremony. Alumni met their classmates for the first time as they celebrated this special milestone. The event began at 10:30 a.m. at the National Naval Aviation Museum, the world’s second largest air and space museum.
Graduates represented countries as far as Kenya, Germany, and Bermuda and cities as close as Pensacola, Navarre and Orange Beach. The largest number of graduates, 20, came from Vietnam.
"Our graduates are Entrepreneurs, firefighters, law enforcement, Military Servicemembers and business professionals – you have traveled from across the globe today to participate in this milestone event," said Robert Mayes, CSU President. "Thirty-six U.S. states and four countries are represented."
The ceremony was held in the 10,000 square foot museum atrium with a quartet of McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk jets suspended above in their famous diamond formation. This 300,000 square foot museum of steel and glass attracts approximately one million visitors a year and features more than 150 aircraft.
Chief Dennis Rubin, Fire Chief for the District of Columbia, served as the keynote speaker. His agency is the nation’s first responder, responsible for safeguarding the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and other precious landmarks, schools, businesses and homes. As chief, he is responsible for overseeing more than 2,000 employees. Chief Rubin’s fire and rescue service experience spans more than 35 years.
Other activities such as an alumni meeting and graduation reception were also held for CSU graduates and guests.