By Abigail Megginson
On Sunday, May 3, proud parents, alumni, faculty and administration gathered at the Pensacola Bay Center to celebrate the 2015 class of Pensacola State College graduates.
At the ceremony, nearly 1,200 students received associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, certificates and diplomas.
The two and a half hour celebration honored the next generation of PSC graduates, while encouraging them that their diploma was only a first step.
Florida Congressman Jeff Miller gave the commencement speech.
His topical speech drew a laugh from the crowd with a reference to Kanye and Beyonce at the Grammy Awards.
Miller promised not to tell students the corny and cliche things usually spoken at graduation, but instead told students to leave their fears behind, and to be selfless.
He encouraged students to get outside their comfort zone.
“Do something every day that scares you,” Miller said.
The ceremony honored students who graduated with their Bachelors of Applied Science or Bachelor of Science, all whom wore black caps and gowns.
Other degrees earned included an Arts Associate, some by dual enrollment students simultaneously graduating high school, an Associate in Applied Science, a college credit certificate, an applied technology diploma, a vocational certificate, a collegiate high school diploma and a General Education Development certificate.
Graduates wore cords, ribbons, stolls and medals showcasing their hard work and achievements.
Several students graduated alongside their family members who were also graduating. A husband and wife, a mother and her daughter, a father and his son and sisters were able to share this moment together.
The moment when the PSC Spring 2015 graduates moved their tassel from the right to the left, signifying their transition from PSC and to their future, won’t be one they soon forget.
