Florida Southern College announced on May 3 that it graduated 583 students, marking the largest class in the college’s history.
The significance of this milestone highlights the growth and achievements of both students and faculty at Florida Southern College. The event brought together graduates, their families, and community leaders to recognize academic excellence and service.
The commencement ceremony featured Sara Roberts McCarley, mayor of Lakeland and a 1993 alumna, as the keynote speaker. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree for her dedication to service and leadership. McCarley said her address focused on service, taking chances, and community impact. Her background includes developing a national program for Best Buddies International supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and serving as Executive Director of Polk Vision. After experiencing personal loss, she founded the Randy Roberts Foundation to empower youth through civic engagement.
Additional remarks were delivered by senior speaker Luke Reeves, a political science major who was recently commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army. Reeves spoke about reflection and being present during significant life moments.
Among those recognized were marketing major Alisa Fine with the President’s Scholar Medal; biology major Sriya Jupalli as Honor Walk recipient; Dr. Richards Plavnieks with the Miller Excellence in Teaching Award; Dr. Melanie Michael with the Ruthven Leadership Faculty Award; and Dr. Jennifer Cipriano with the Omicron Delta Kappa Award for academic dedication.
This ceremony also marked President Jeremy P. Martin’s second spring commencement since beginning his role in August 2024 as Florida Southern’s eighteenth president.
Out of all graduates this year, 517 completed undergraduate programs while 66 earned graduate degrees; 303 students received academic honors at graduation.
