Released on: December 4, 2007, 12:28 pm

Press Release Author: Arlene Wites / Director of Communications

Industry: Education

Press Release Summary: Internationally famous tennis star Venus Williams will
receive fashion degree from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Press Release Body: Ft. Lauderdale, FL - December 4, 2007 - International tennis
superstar Venus Williams will be adding another accomplishment to her long list when
she walks across the commencement stage on Thursday, December 13, to receive her
associate's degree in Fashion Design from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale.

Williams, who has been attending the college since the fall of 1999, has been
dedicated to finishing her studies in the midst of Grand Slam, US Open, and
Wimbledon wins to receive this long sought after degree. ""I love fashion and the
idea that I am using my design education to actually create clothing and footwear
that reflects my personality and energy both on and off the court," said Williams of
her new line, EleVen T .

Andre West, chair of the Fashion programs at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale
said, "Venus has been a blessing to the department in so many ways, her drive and
focus as we know is somewhere in the stratosphere. She has taken that same drive
that she shows on the court all the way to the cutting table, sewing machine and
computer. We will miss seeing her smiling face in the hallways, the faculty, staff
and students have enjoyed having such a mellow unassuming superstar in our presence.
We have all given her as much effort as we could to follow her other dream - fashion
- and she has given everything and more back to us by her dedication and flair. Not
only having great portfolio, but graduating college is a dream come true for Venus."
To learn more about The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, visit
www.artinstitutes.edu/fortlauderdale?prid=VW_1107_001_pr .

Background
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, www.aifl.edu, established in 1968, is an
applied arts college where' industry professionals teach design, technology, media
arts, culinary arts, and fashion design. A variety of associate's and bachelor's
degrees, as well as several diploma programs, are offered including Advertising,
Animation Art & Design, Media Arts & Animation, Broadcasting, Culinary Arts, Digital
Filmmaking & Video Production, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Game Art &
Design, Graphic Design, Illustration, Industrial Design, Interior Design,
Photography, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics, Video Production, and Web Design &
Interactive Media.

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Web Site: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/fortlauderdale?prid=VW_1107_001_pr

Contact Details: 1799 SE 17 Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
1.800.275.7603