Saint Leo's Lake City Commencement Ceremony Brings Joy to Many in North Florida

May 17, 2010

The North Florida community of Lake City has more than 90 new graduates of Saint Leo University this week, including many future teachers, law enforcement officers, and business people.

The commencement for the class of 2010 was held at 5 p.m., Friday, May 14, at the campus of Lake City Community College, where Saint Leo University has a Continuing Education Center. Donna Goodson-King, who earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education summa cum laude (pictured), spoke on behalf of the class of 2010. The graduates, no matter what academic major they studied, are all part of “one service community,” Goodson-King said, and are, “expected to examine and express our values, serve the community in which we live, and care for all of God’s creations.” Goodson-King is married and a mother of four children.

Columbia County Sheriff Mark A. Hunter, a native of Lake City, also addressed the graduates.

In addition to the more than 90 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, two students earned master’s degrees: Sadia C. Benkhalek earned the Master of Science in criminal justice, and Jonathan D. Jordan received the Master of Education degree in educational leadership.

The Lake City Reporter published a story in the newspaper the following day.
Read the story published in the Lake City Reporter.

View photos from Lake City's 2010 Commencement.