Campus & Community

Palm Beach State College celebrated its more than 2,000 spring graduates at two commencement ceremonies May 12 and applauded their resilience in reaching the milestone despite unique challenges caused by the pandemic.

It was the first time since December 2019 that PBSC held commencement ceremonies with keynote speakers and traditional fanfare, including a performance by the PBSC drumline and singing of the College’s alma mater.

“For many of you it has taken two years to reach this milestone. In those two years, we have weathered some storms as an institution and nation, but we came through with resilience and vigor that as panthers we are all known to do,’’ said PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D., while looking into the sea of caps and gowns at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center.

The spring class represents students, ranging from ages 16 to 17, completing associate and bachelor’s degrees and certificate programs. Thirty-five graduates are dual enrollment students who completed their Associate in Arts degree while in high school and more than 700 are first-generation college students.

“Many of your peers gave up. Many people your age could not make it, but you did,’’ said State Sen. Tina Polsky,  who spoke at the morning ceremony for the Associate in Science, Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degree programs and the certificate programs. “If you do nothing else, this cannot be taken away from you.”

“Whatever challenges you face, Palm Beach State College has given you the opportunity to be successful, to achieve your dreams,’’ said Sen. Gayle Harrell, the keynote speaker at the afternoon ceremony for the Associate in Arts degree graduates.

To view more photos, see the commencement book, and to watch the full ceremonies, visit www.palmbeachstate.edu/graduation.