The holiday season always brings reflection. We look back on a year like no other, full of unexpected challenges and disruption to our lives. I hope, however, that 2020 also gives us hope and confidence when we look at the ways we chose to rise above the issues. Through it all, there are many things I am thankful for in 2020.

I am thankful that State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota, is uniquely positioned to help our students and community overcome the pandemic’s impacts. Our academic offerings, rapid credentialing opportunities and local partnerships put our college at the center of our community’s economic resurgence. Our flexibility and spirit of innovation give us the ability to rapidly respond to student and employer needs.

Throughout this year, our team at SCF maintained our commitment to quality and to preserving the value of an SCF degree or certificate. On Dec. 11, we held a drive-through commencement ceremony to acknowledge the accomplishments of more than 860 Fall 2020 graduates. These students, along with our 820 spring and 520 summer graduates, rose above unprecedented circumstances and remained committed to their futures during this crazy year.

I am thankful that we can impact areas of our community most in need. Among our fall graduates are 76 registered nurses who can provide relief to the over-taxed nursing staffs in our region’s hospitals. It is a testimony to the character and dedication of each of these graduates that they willingly enter the nursing profession at this time. They have no illusions about the environment they are entering.

I am thankful for our partners in assisting our community members return to the workforce through our “Get Credentialed, Get Noticed!” initiative, which can get students back in the workforce in less than a year in many different career fields." SCF’s rapid credentialing programs can get students back in the workforce in less than a year in many different career fields. Scholarships are available through the CARES Act grant from the state and laptops through Florida Power and Light’s $229,000 grant. At SCF we follow the ABC method with our program: first “A” job, then on to a “B”etter job and finally a “C”areer.

I am thankful to be in such a philanthropic community. When our students needed help the most last spring, the SCF Foundation was able to raise $100,000 for the SCF Foundation Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund. The Foundation’s November virtual scholarship luncheon exceeded its fundraising goal for student scholarships. This community believes in the future of our students and we are extremely grateful for that support.

I am thankful that we could create a safe learning and working environment on our campuses for staff, faculty and students. We will maintain our commitment to letting students choose how they take their classes, whether on campus or online, and will continue to offer classes with flexible start and end dates to suit students’ family and work commitments.

This has been a challenging year, but I am extremely proud of how SCF has served our students. The need for higher education and workforce training has never been more compelling, and we are committed to providing the environment and the resources our students need to move forward with their lives. I am thankful, however, that 2020 is coming to a close and look forward with optimism for the year ahead.

Dr. Carol Probstfeld is president of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.