SCF Honors Winter Class of 2020 with Drive-Through Ceremony

State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) celebrated the accomplishments of more than 1,380 students on Friday afternoon during a special drive-through graduation ceremony at SCF Bradenton that was broadcast on Sarasota Community Radio WSLR, 96.5 FM, and livestreamed on Facebook. The event opened with the national anthem being performed via a video of the SCF Chamber Choir.

SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld shared that the commencement ceremony was anything but traditional, much like the school year the graduating class experienced. “These students rose above unprecedented circumstances and remained committed to their futures during this turbulent year,” she said.

SCF summer and winter graduates earned 810 associate in arts degrees, 195 associate in science degrees, 167 bachelor’s degrees, 255 certificates and 22 advanced technical certificates.

Throughout the broadcast, listeners were able to call in with their well-wishes and congratulate the graduates on the air. Comments were also shared on Facebook.com/StateCollegeofFlorida. Maverick the Manatee, SCF’s mascot, was also seen spreading cheer and encouraging participants to honk their horns for the graduates.

The Outstanding Graduate Award was presented to Cayla Breanna Pearson, who earned her Associate in Arts degree while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She plans to study for her bachelor’s degree from New College of Florida before pursuing a career in law to eventually represent and help others who need an empathetic and passionate person in their corner. Pearson was highly involved both on and off campus, volunteering her time to Sarasota Memorial Hospital, the Sarasota County Jail, Bridge to Life and the Leaders Rights Organization, where she is currently the volunteer coordinator. She is also a dedicated member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Sigma Kappa Delta English Honors Society and The Paralegal Society.

Pearson thanked SCF for instilling confidence in herself and her academic abilities. “With the guidance and advice from people I’ve met at SCF, I have learned that I am capable of much more than I once believed I was,” she said.

The other Outstanding Graduate finalists were Mackenson Reveus and Kim Taylor-Galway.

SCF Foundation Associate Director Allison Nash presented graduate Joseph Majeski the Pat Kuebler Memorial Scholarship for his respectful, caring, and humble nature, and immeasurable dedication to nursing, much like Kuebler herself.

Pat Kuebler was an assistant administrator in charge of nursing for Sarasota Memorial Hospital before she came to teach at Manatee Junior College, now SCF. While teaching for four years, she had a profound impact on her students before passing away in 1981 from an 18-month battle with cancer. In 1985, the Manatee Memorial Hospital nursing department, comprised of several of her former students, established a scholarship in her name for students who exemplified excellence in patient care.

Other notable distinctions were celebrated. TRIO Student Support Services Program Director Dr. Kristen Anderson recognized 14 College Reach-Out Program (CROP) students and Student Life Advisor Tessa Bravata presented on activities the Student Government and Clubs during the Fall semester.

Program participants included SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld; Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Todd G. Fritch; Chief Nurse Administrator and Director of Nursing Programs Tammy Sawmelle; Dean of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development Terri Clark; Student Life Advisor Tessa Bravata; Gallery Director and Art, Design and Humanities Assistant Professor Katherine Bzura; Language and Literature Professor Dr. Doug Ford; SCF Student Sandra Alanis; and the Rev. Michael P. Todd, SCF’s campus ministry chaplain, who gave the opening invocation. Robin Rogers, associate professor, language and literature, served as mace bearer for the ceremony.

To learn more about SCF, visit SCF.edu.