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U.S. Rep. John Mica to Speak at Embry-Riddle Commencement

Daytona Beach, Fla., Nov. 23, 2009 -- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will hold its commencement ceremony for 388 candidates for graduation Monday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. in the Daytona Beach Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave. Guest speaker U.S. Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Law (LL.D.) during the event.

Mica is currently serving his ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida’s 7th Congressional District, which stretches from Orlando to Jacksonville.

As the two-term Republican leader of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the largest committee in Congress, Mica helps formulate and oversee federal policy in all areas of transportation, including aviation, and has called for the development of a comprehensive and national strategic transportation plan.

Mica is a long-time champion of both aviation and mass transit. As the chair of the Aviation Subcommittee, he is credited with reviving America’s aviation industry after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In 2003 he successfully passed the current FAA reauthorization, and in 2008 he wrote the nation’s first law authorizing high-speed rail.

He is also a valued supporter of Embry-Riddle initiatives. Of particular importance, Mica was instrumental in helping Embry-Riddle establish the Daytona Beach NextGen Test Bed, a national site for the testing and evaluation of next-generation technologies designed to modernize and enhance safety in the national air space.

Several national aviation transportation and infrastructure organizations have honored Mica for his dedication and vision. In addition, as a strong advocate of veterans he has received national awards from nearly every major veterans association.

Commencement Weekend includes the following events:

Friday, Dec. 11

Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
9 a.m., in front of the ROTC Center, Embry-Riddle
The ceremony will be followed by a reception in room 236 of the ROTC Center. For more information, call (386) 226-6473.

Sunday, Dec. 13

Air Force ROTC Commissioning Ceremony
10 a.m., Jack R. Hunt Aviator Park next to the Student Center, Embry-Riddle
Nine students will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force. Preceding the ceremony, refreshments will be served at 9 a.m. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Miller Instructional Center. For more information, call (386) 226-6880.

Alumni Welcome Reception
7 p.m., Daytona 500 Experience, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
Each graduate and up to four guests may enjoy free, unlimited use of all Daytona 500 Experience attractions, including Acceleration Alley, Dream Laps, and Speedplay. Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be served. New alumni should RSVP at www.eraualumni.org before the event to receive a special leather portfolio gift at the reception. For more information, call Edmund Odartey at (386) 226-6155.

Catholic Mass
7 p.m., Interfaith Chapel, Embry-Riddle

Monday, Dec. 14

Families and friends of the graduates who cannot attend the commencement ceremony can watch a live streaming broadcast of the event at the graduation website, www.eraugraduation.com, on the day of the ceremony and for a period of time afterward.

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the world’s largest, fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in its colleges of Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Engineering. Embry-Riddle educates students at residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott, Ariz., through the Worldwide Campus at more than 170 campus centers in the United States, Europe, Canada, and the Middle East, and through online learning. For more information, visit www.embryriddle.edu.

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