More than 400 students participated in State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s (SCF) graduation on May 6 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. They were among more than 1,000 students who completed their degree requirements this spring, earning 621 associate in arts degrees, 227 associate in science degrees, 117 bachelor’s degrees, and 59 workforce certificates.
The Outstanding Graduate Award was presented to a pair of students; Ana Gonzalez, who graduated with her Associate in Science in dental hygiene; and Kaitlyn Shehorn, who graduates with both her high school diploma and an Associate in Arts degree from the Accelerated Dual Enrollment program.
The keynote speaker for the evening ceremony was Renée James Gilmore. Gilmore is the executive producer and host of ABC7’s “Empowering Voices” and founded The Saja Group LLC, a business transformation consulting firm for which she is president and CEO. She is a champion for creativity, human rights, women in business and veterans. She previously served as president of the Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance and has earned numerous accolades, including from the White House and the Department of Labor.
Judy Hangartner, associate professor of accounting, served as the mace bearer and offered a short welcome to begin the ceremony. Additional ceremony participants included Dr. Todd G. Fritch, executive vice president and provost; Tracy Knight, District Board of Trustees chair; Brittany K. Nielsen, vice president, Student Services and Enrollment Management; William “Bill” Tredick III, a student veteran; and Frank Brunner, chaplain for Campus Ministry.
The SCF Chamber Choir, directed by Melodie Dickerson, director of choral and vocal studies, sang the national anthem. The SCF Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Robyn Bell, music program manager and director of instrumental studies, performed the processional and recessional.
Faculty readers who announced each graduate included Fiona Mackay, an instructor in SCF’s nursing program; Toni McLeroy, associate professor of dental hygiene; and Gladys Green, associate professor of psychology.
For more information about SCF, visit SCF.edu.
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