Release Date: May 30, 2014
Contact: ECPI University Director of Marketing 757.490.9090
Online Grads Travel Across the Country to “Walk” in Person
Virginia Beach, VA – For many years, Elizabeth City resident Patrick Keziah has dreamed of becoming the first person in his family to graduate from college. Years ago, he earned an associate’s degree in the liberal arts but believed that real success would only come with a bachelor’s degree in a more technical field.
So, to inspire himself and motivate his daughter, he suggested they compete to see who could be first in the family to earn a bachelor’s degree. It was close, but she beat him by 23 days. This Saturday, he joins her as the second person in the Keziah family to earn a bachelor’s degree, receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer and Information Science with a concentration in Healthcare Information Technology.
Getting to this point has not been easy. Patrick first endured a debilitating illness that ravaged his digestive system. After a 10-day stay in the hospital, he had to opt out of school for two terms. Then, just as he was getting back underway, his mother fell ill and he had to take time off to care for her and find her permanent residence in a nursing home.
Throughout it all, Patrick never took his eye off the prize. This Saturday, he will represent the study body at graduation, speaking about the power of perseverance. “It’s been quite a journey,” says Patrick. “I learned a lot about myself and I also learned that very few accomplishments occur without the help of others. I will always be grateful to the many people at ECPI University who stood by me and helped me catch up and get back on track.”
Graduation will be held on Saturday, May 31 at Chrysler Hall, located at 215 St. Pauls Boulevard in Norfolk, Virginia beginning at 5:00 pm. More than 400 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremony.
Eight of those graduates are Online graduates who are traveling from as far away as California, Arizona, Colorado, and Ohio to be part of the procession. For more information, please contact ECPI University Director of Marketing at 757.490.9090 or publicrelations@ecpi.edu.
About ECPI University
ECPI University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and master degrees and diploma programs. With campuses in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, ECPI, a private university established in 1966, offers convenient classes during the day, evening, and online; graduate employment services are provided. Continuing education certification classes and testing are also available.
ECPI’s fields of study include: TECHNOLOGY: Cyber and Network Security, Information Systems, Software Development, Cloud Computing and Virtualization, Healthcare IT, Web Development, Simulation and Game Programming, Database Programming, Business Systems Administration, Accounting Administration, Electronics Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Marine Technology; Medical Imaging Equipment Technology; BUSINESS AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Accounting, Business Administration, IT Management, Food Service Management, Criminal Justice, Homeland Security; HEALTH SCIENCES: Healthcare Administration, Health Information Management, Medical Administration, Physical Therapist Assistant, Massage Therapy, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Medical Radiography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Surgical Technology, Nursing (BSN), Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing; CULINARY: Culinary Arts. (Program field availability varies by campus.) For more information, visit www.ecpi.edu.