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Mayor Alvin Brown excited to address Jacksonville University graduates Saturday

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown says he’s looking forward to helping inspire students to even greater success as he gets ready to deliver the keynote at Jacksonville University’s spring commencement Saturday, May 5, while accepting an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. 

Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown

“It’s an honor for me to continue growing academically with the Jacksonville University family and to join a distinguished list of past honorees,” he said. “I encourage all of this year’s graduates to continue setting the highest example to empower the next generation of leaders. Our success sets a sturdy foundation to take Jacksonville to the next level.” 

To watch the commencent ceremonies and the mayor’s keynote live on Saturday, visit http://www.ju.edu/commencement.

The university will bestow degrees on more than 800 students, including the first graduates of its much-lauded two-year-old master’s program in dance choreography. Commencement begins at 9:30 a.m. on the Science Green, behind the Howard Building in the heart of JU’s campus.

 JU alum Brown ’85, ‘89, who took office July 1, 2011, campaigned on a vision of “taking Jacksonville to the next level” by creating jobs, revitalizing downtown and building a world-class education system. Before taking office, Brown was an executive-in-residence at JU’s Davis College of Business. He is the past president and CEO of The Gary Foundation, an organization that helps provide scholarships for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

Brown earned a Bachelor of Science in philosophy and an Executive MBA from JU. He also completed postgraduate work at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. In 2011, Brown received JU’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. 

In addition, the university will present two prominent service awards: the Presidential Award for Leadership and the Presidential Award for Service.