Dania Beach, FL — United International College (UIC) proudly held its 23rd Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the historic Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event celebrated the academic achievements of students from 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Croatia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Turkey, Vietnam, and Venezuela.

The ceremony began with a stirring rendition of the National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, performed by Alin Turculescu, a UIC alum in International Business Management, native of Romania, and professional singer.

Degrees were conferred upon 35 graduates, including:

15 Associate of Science degrees in Business Administration, International Business Management, and Travel and Tourism Management
6 Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and International Business Management
14 Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees

UIC Co-Founder and President Lydia Bautista Moller addressed the graduates, reflecting on the college’s 25-year educational innovation, diversity, and student transformation journey.

Sylvester Williams, Super Bowl Champion, first-round NFL draft pick, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, delivered the keynote address. He recounted his extraordinary journey from homelessness to NFL success and urged graduates to lead with discipline, faith, and persistence. “As you embark on this journey, I want you to dream big—bigger than you ever have before… If you stay committed, stay honest, be accountable, believe in your purpose, and never give up, you have a chance,” Williams said.

Undergraduate Student Speaker Valentina Perez shared her journey from the ESL classroom to receiving her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She is the producer of United in Voices, the first student-created podcast at UIC, and an Event Project Coordinator for a California-based corporate event agency.

“To my undergraduate brothers and sisters—together we will represent United International College by taking the journey to success and will apply our knowledge, determination, motivation, enthusiasm, and desire to reach our goals and our dreams. Why? Because we can,” said Perez.
“This here today represents a milestone not only for me but for all of my ancestors. I have become the very first person from my family to obtain a bachelor’s degree from the United States of America.”

Representing the graduate class, Sanjin Alam of Bangladesh offered a moving tribute to perseverance in the face of adversity. She completed her MBA while her mother and brother were battling cancer, and was grieving the loss of her father.

“Being a woman who returned to academics after a long break, I have realized that the strength we need is already within us—we just need the courage to believe in it,” Alam said. “To all the dreamers out there, know this: one small step taken with purpose can lead to unimaginable change. Whether it’s helping one person or impacting thousands, every act of kindness matters.”