3,700 Graduates to be Recognized at Ultimate Medical Academy Fall Commencement on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Tampa, Florida

TAMPA, Fla. September 20, 2018 – Ultimate Medical Academy’s community of learning will come together on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Tampa, Florida to celebrate the graduation (#UMAgrad) of the nonprofit higher education institution’s Fall class of 2018. More than 900 UMA graduates from 30 states, including as far away as Washington State, will cross the stage to graduate during the ceremony from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the University of South Florida Yuengling Center, 4202 E. Fowler Ave. They will be joined virtually via a livestream by a total of almost 3,700 UMA students eligible to graduate between May 7 and Oct. 28, 2018.

An advocate for education, women, and families, former Massachusetts Governor and Chair of the UMA Board of Directors Jane Swift, will deliver the commencement address. She will be joined by three other speakers:

• UMA Career Services Training Manager Raquel Reyes who will discuss how helping UMA students pursue careers in healthcare has also given her the confidence to succeed at UMA and in her life.
• Chanta Nelson, 43, from Powder Springs, Georgia, who will receive her Associate of Science degree in Health and Human Services from UMA’s Online Campus, and will pursue a career to help others.
• Reina Bell, 48, a single mother of four from Largo, Florida, who will receive a Patient Care Technician diploma from UMA’s Clearwater Campus.

“I am honored to be the keynote speaker at Ultimate Medical Academy’s Fall Commencement,” Governor Swift said. “Our country is facing a critical challenge providing practical post-secondary education to students who have not previously experienced success in our traditional higher education system. UMA is committed to meeting the needs of these students with innovative online education and wrap-around support services to complete their education and start their careers in healthcare. In doing so, we are also helping to fill the skills gap in the healthcare field, which is now the largest employment sector in the U.S.”

The UMA graduates will be cheered on by family members and friends, UMA President Derek Apanovitch, UMA board and advisory board members, faculty and staff, and employer partners, as well as healthcare leaders attending UMA’s inaugural 360 Healthcare Summit: Perspectives on Healthcare Innovation on Sept. 21 – 22 in Tampa.

The commencement will open with the presentation of colors by the Tampa’s Freedom High School ROTC and the singing of the National Anthem led by retired United States Air Force Sergeant Sonya Bryson, a regular performer for the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena.

More information on the Ultimate Medical Academy Fall Commencement can be found at www.ultimatemedical.edu/students/commencement.