SCF’s Winter 2022 commencement held on Dec. 9 celebrated the successful graduation of more than 1,000 students. Degrees and certificates were awarded to students who completed their credentials in the Summer and Fall terms, including 530 associate in arts degrees, 163 associate in science degrees, 115 bachelor’s degrees, and 198 workforce certificates. We also pinned 84 nursing students who received an Associate in Science in Nursing and celebrated 62 registered nurses who completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Our total number of graduates now exceeds 58,000, with nearly 25,000 remaining within our local workforce. 

The services were extra special for us. After 10 years of hosting our commencements offsite, three ceremonies at SCF Bradenton reminded faculty, staff and students how much they love being on campus. Furthermore, we took the opportunity to recognize our 65^th Anniversary, including a guest appearance by SCF’s fourth and designated President Emeritus, Dr. Sarah H. Pappas. 

There is nothing more representative of the diverse group of individuals we serve than our graduation ceremony. SCF proudly embraces students of different ages, races and nationalities that come to us from around the region, state, nation and world.  We like to say, “at SCF, we meet you where you are. We’re everyone’s college.”

For example, our Winter 2022 outstanding graduate, María Camila Medina Almaguer, an established pianist since age seven, immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba with her family shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. She graduated with her Associate in Arts degree and a 4.0 GPA. Medina plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in music, concentrating on composition and media scoring, and secondary degrees in business and entrepreneurship to understand the full scope of the music industry. Medina noted of her experience at SCF, “I was venturing into a new country where everything I truly knew about higher education – music especially – was that it was very expensive. SCF offered me affordable opportunities to develop my musicianship, and today, I feel very lucky and honored to become one of its alumni.”

Outstanding graduate award finalist Victoria Lauren Flounders, a former beauty and a wellness professional who worked as an esthetician and massage therapist, graduated with her Associate in Arts degree with a 3.75 GPA. Initially hesitant to re-enroll in college, Flounders resumed her education after her three young children began school. She strives to teach them the value of education and set an example of hard work and perseverance. “Nothing motivates me more than imagining their faces glowing with pride as I walk in my cap and gown. That is what I picture each day I enter SCF,” said Flounders.

Lastly, OGA finalist Nikki Francisco graduated with her Bachelor of Science degree in Supervision & Management, concentrating in Technology Management. Though her educational journey has been unconventional, she has not let her disability hinder her success. She has made the President’s List since 2020 and holds a part-time job with the SCF Foundation. Francisco was an engaged student and active volunteer. She started her non-profit organization by raising nearly $5,000 for Philippine typhoon relief and providing 750 families with food and clean water. She is also involved with the National Alliance on Mental Illness and The Bridge Church. Francisco has learned to find her strengths in unconventional places and strives to help others do the same. When asked how we have made a difference in her life, Francisco shared, “SCF has given me the confidence that I can be a contributing member of society and that I am more than my disability.”

Our ability to serve so many is why a part of my commencement address will never change, and it is that, ‘The constant factor for more than half a century – whether as MJC, MCC or SCF – continues to be the impact of our exceptional administration, faculty and staff, and their unwavering commitment to our outstanding students.’ As well as a reflection that ‘our collective accomplishments reflect a deep synergy with the college’s administration, faculty, staff and our students. These relationships are among the college’s greatest competitive advantages.’ Commencement day is one of my favorites throughout the year and it reminds me of how privileged I am to serve as SCF’s president.

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