CSU Press Releases

Graduates From Around The World To Attend Columbia Southern University Graduation Ceremony

More Than 100 Graduates and 400 Guests Will Travel to Orange Beach

This summer more than 500 people will travel to Orange Beach from around the world to attend the 2007 Columbia Southern University Commencement Ceremony. Graduation begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 29th and will be held at Christian Life Church in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Graduates represent countries as far as Egypt, Vietnam, and Germany and cities as close as Navarre and Pensacola. The largest number of graduates, 19, will come from Vietnam.

“Each year, we have the pleasure of seeing graduates from all over the globe walk across the stage and celebrate their accomplishment,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President. “Completing a degree through online learning requires the highest level of self-discipline and motivation.”

Lavern Dowdy will be traveling from Joppa, Maryland with 20 of her closest friends and family members to receive her BS in Environmental Management from Columbia Southern University. She currently serves as a Physical Science Technician and First Responder with the U.S. Army.

“I could have marched across nearly any stage in America, some more prestigious than others, some more well known than others,” said Dowdy. “I choose this stage because it was only CSU that has made my dream my reality.”

Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy for the United States Fire Administration, is the scheduled guest speaker. Dr. Onieal has been a firefighter since 1971, rising through the ranks to become deputy fire chief in 1991 and acting chief of a uniformed force of 600. His entire career has been spent “in the street” as a line fire officer.

Other activities such as an open house, sunset cruise, alumni meeting and graduation reception are also scheduled for Columbia Southern University graduates and guests