June 6, 2005

Apple Computer Inventor Steve Wozniak to receive honorary degree at Nova Southeastern University Commencement
Broward Elections Chief Brenda Snipes to deliver address to education graduates

FORT LAUDERDALE—South Florida’s largest private university will graduate more than 1,000 students June 25 at commencement ceremonies featuring Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and Broward County Supervisor of Elections Dr. Brenda Snipes.

Nova Southeastern University will confer an honorary Doctor of Science degree upon Wozniak before 672 graduates at 11 a.m. in the Office Depot Center. Snipes will deliver a special address to more than 400 graduates of NSU’s school of education at 4 p.m.

Among the graduates will be Beverly Mullins Shepherd, who will receive a doctorate in education leadership. Shepherd is a survivor of two open heart surgeries, three carotid artery surgeries, a stroke, two episodes of heart failure, and a 1993 car jacking.

“I continue to look forward to each day to assist the ‘at risk’ population,” said Shepherd, 69, of Port Arthur, Texas. “I’m grateful to NSU teachers for their support and confidence. I hope to one day write about my experiences to help others feel, ‘I can do that.’”

Wozniak is a Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist who helped shape the computing industry with his design of Apple Computer’s first line of products, the Apple I and II. He also influenced the design of the popular Macintosh computer. Upon receiving the honorary doctoral degree, he will deliver the commencement address to graduates from NSU’s Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship, Center for Psychological Studies, Oceanography, Graduate School of Humanities & Social Sciences, Graduate School of Computer & Information Sciences, and the Criminal Justice Institute.

Snipes, who received her doctoral degree from NSU, will speak to the graduating class of the Fischler School of Education and Human Services at 4 p.m. On Nov. 20, 2003, Governor Jeb Bush asked Snipes to serve out the term of Supervisor of Elections in Broward County. During her tenure, she has held several successful elections including the Presidential Election in November 2004. She has also been credited with improving the staff morale and office operating procedures.