NSU Newsroom
SharkBytes
Horizons
This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart Delivers Keynote Address at Health Professions Division Commencement
Ralph Rogers, Ph.D., Nova Southeastern University provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; hoods U.S. Rep. Diaz-Balart at NSU Health Professions Division Commencement alongside George L. Hanbury II, Ph.D., NSU president; following the presentation of an Honorary Degree Citation, with Jacqueline Travisano (far left), M.B.A., C.P.A., NSU executive vice president and chief operating officer, and Fred Lippman (far right), R.Ph., Ed.D., chancellor of NSU’s Health Professions Division.
U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart addressed delivered the keynote address at NSU’s Health Professions Division (HPD) Commencement at the Don Taft University Center Arena on Saturday, August 23 at 1 p.m., including degree candidates from NSU’s College of Health Care Sciences (except physical therapy), and College of Nursing. He received a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa as part of the ceremonies.
“It was an honor to join graduates and their families for this momentous occasion. I’d like to thank President Hanbury, Chancellor Lippman, and the entire faculty and staff of Nova Southeastern University for inviting me to speak at Saturday’s commencement, said Diaz-Balart. “Saturday’s graduates are joining the health care field and many achievements await them in their noble careers. I am extremely grateful to receive this prestigious recognition and I am proud to stand beside the graduates as a fellow NSU shark.”
“Congressman Diaz-Balart has dedicated the last quarter century serving the citizens of Florida both in our state legislature and Congress,” said Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D., HPD chancellor. “His work to protect our future through Everglades restoration, hurricane preparedness, and highway safety is admirable.”
Diaz-Balart served a total of 14 years in the Florida State Legislature in both the House and Senate. At age 31, he became the youngest person ever elected to the Florida Senate, as well as the first Hispanic to serve as Chair of the Combined Appropriations / Ways and Means / Finance and Tax Committee. During his tenure in the state legislature, he consistently ranked among the most effective legislators in Florida, developing a reputation as a budget hawk and supporting minority voting rights.
Diaz-Balart was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2002. He currently represents Florida’s 25th Congressional District which includes portions of Broward, Collier, Hendry, and Miami-Dade counties.
