Webber International University Concludes 99th Academic Year with Commencement Ceremony

Babson Park, FL (May 2, 2026) — Webber International University marked its 99th Commencement Ceremony on May 1 in the Sabbagh Athletic Center on the University’s campus.
 
Mr. Royce Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of AdventHealth Lake Wales, graciously accepted the invitation to serve as Webber’s 99th Commencement Speaker. Mr. Brown delivered a moving address highlighting the many opportunities now available to graduates as a result of their diligent academic accomplishments.
 
During the ceremony, the University conferred upon Mr. Brown the honorary degree of Doctor of Business Administration, honoris causa.
 
Webber President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Nelson Marquez shared his enthusiasm for the occasion, stating, “By far, the very best thing about being a university president is commencement day.”
Dr. Marquez continued, “This year’s commencement theme, Forging New Paths, is especially fitting, not only given the changes occurring in higher education, but more importantly because of the new opportunities awaiting our graduates.”
 
Webber’s Dean of Academics, Dr. Nichole Murray, presented awards for Most Improved Student and Highest Grade Point Average (GPA). The Highest GPA Award was presented to two graduates, each achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA.
 
Summer Zier-Norris received the Most Improved Student Award. She is a member of the Webber Softball team and earned a degree in Sport Business Management.
 
The first recipient of the Highest GPA Award was Esabella Diaz, a Sports Performance, Health, and Fitness major and a member of the women’s soccer team. The second recipient was Gian Fink, a Psychology major and a member of the men’s soccer team.
 
Webber International University’s current student body includes more than 712 students representing most U.S. states and over 41 foreign countries. Twenty nations were represented among the graduates participating in the 99th Commencement Ceremony.
 
About Webber International University
 
Established in 1927 by Roger Babson as the first college chartered under Florida's then new charitable and educational laws, Webber International University is a private, not-for-profit, independent institution offering degrees at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s levels. Founded as school of business for women, the university boasts highly qualified faculty, engaged staff, small class sizes, and a diverse range of intercollegiate sports and extracurricular activities. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the institution offers numerous programs through traditional day and entirely online formats.