MIAMI (May 9, 2016) – This week approximately 5,000 FIU students will receive their diplomas as graduation at FIU Arena is underway. Two of those graduates, Anthon Samuel and Becky Wilde, wrap up very successful careers at FIU as champions in and out of the classroom, leaders in the community and role models to those around them.
 
For their contribution to FIU, Samuel and Wilde have been honored as Worlds Ahead graduates by the University, earning recognition by President Mark B. Rosenberg during their graduation ceremonies.
 

---

Anthon Samuel
Bachelor of Health Services Administration
Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing and Health Sciences
 

Through life struggles and adversity, great things can be accomplished.  Such is the story of Bachelor of Health Services Administration graduate Anthon Samuel, whose life changed forever just four days before his eighth birthday.  While gazing out the window of his Opa-locka home, Anthon saw his beloved father get shot and killed. This unspeakably tragic event compels Anthon, to this very day, to reach out to others in the community to avoid the same fate. He speaks regularly to elementary students about rising above adversity through education and raises gun violence awareness through a mini-film he created.
 
Anthon is one of seven children raised by his mother and grandmother. He decided he would make his family proud through his love for education and football.  He is a premier running back for the FIU football team and a stellar student-athlete, having earned an athletic scholarship and maintained a high GPA despite a demanding schedule and almost seeing his collegiate football career cut short due to concussions. He is a two-time Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll honoree, a recognition for having a 3.0 GPA or better.
 
Yet, he persevered. A young father himself, Anthon draws his inspiration from his 4-year-old son, grace and wisdom from his mother and grandmother, and strength from the lasting memories of his father. He next plans to attend graduate school, possibly the nurse practitioner program, and continue following his heart to serve and help others.

Click here for a story on Anthon (FIU Student Overcomes Family Tragedy to Graduate, Give Back - WSVN) 
 

---

Becky Wilde
Master's of International Business
College of Business
 

In the fall of 2012, Becky Wilde came from Northumberland, England to FIU, as a freshman on a swimming scholarship. As an undergraduate she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management in only five semesters, graduating in 2014, and has since worked to earn her Master of International Business. Rebecca has certainly distinguished herself in swimming, especially in 200- and 400-yard individual medley events.
 
Rebecca became captain of FIU's swimming and diving team, and, this past February in Atlanta Rebecca led her team to their second-consecutive Conference USA title. These were the first back-to-back Conference USA titles for any FIU team. Rebecca's "It can be done" approach motivated her talented team.
 
But this conference champion never put swimming ahead of academics. She has earned a 3.74 GPA despite waking up each morning at 4:30 a.m. for swim practice and then, after classes, going to the weight room and then returning to the pool for more practice.
 
Rebecca thanks the faculty, staff, and her peers of the MIB program for providing her with a fantastic opportunity to learn and excel here at FIU, and she will carry blue and gold pride with her wherever she goes.

#####

About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 18 different sports. Athletic events are played in seven different venues on FIU's campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including FIU Arena and Ocean Bank Field at FIU Stadium.
 
About FIU: Florida International University is recognized as a Carnegie engaged university. It is a public research university with colleges and schools that offer more than 180 bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs in fields such as engineering, international relations, architecture, law and medicine. As one of South Florida's anchor institutions, FIU contributes $8.9 billion each year to the local economy. FIU is Worlds Ahead in finding solutions to the most challenging problems of our time. FIU emphasizes research as a major component of its mission. FIU has awarded over 200,000 degrees and enrolls more than 54,000 students in two campuses and three centers including FIU Downtown on Brickell, FIU@I-75, and the Miami Beach Urban Studios. FIU also supports artistic and cultural engagement through its three museums: the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, the Wolfsonian-FIU, and the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU. FIU is a member of Conference USA and has over 400 student-athletes participating in 18 sports. For more information about FIU, visit http://www.fiu.edu/.