Photo courtesy SCF: Jaelyn Landers.

The Winter 2023 commencement at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota celebrated nearly 1,000 graduates at our SCF Bradenton campus. Degrees and certificates were awarded to students who completed their credentials in the Summer and Fall terms, including 562 associate in arts degrees, 211 associate in science degrees, 138 bachelor’s degrees and 43 workforce certificates. We also pinned 104 nursing students who received an Associate in Science in Nursing and celebrated 64 registered nurses who completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Our total number of graduates now exceeds 61,000, with 25,000 remaining within our local workforce. 

Each fall and spring semester, SCF hosts a luncheon to celebrate our outstanding graduate finalists and announce the winner. It’s a cherished tradition as I get to know the students and learn about their experience at the College, and I am reminded that we serve a broad range of students with vast experiences and aspirations that aim to improve our community and change the world. I am SCF-Proud to highlight this year’s nominated outstanding graduates.

Outstanding graduate award finalist Colton Cook graduated with an associate in arts degree. He is a United States Coast Guard veteran who served four years as an electronic technician in Key West with various deployments and search and rescue missions. Cook was the President of the Student Veterans of America Bradenton Chapter, founded and created the annual SCF Dodgeball Tournament, joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and participated in numerous volunteer events. Cook knows he wouldn’t be where he is today if he didn’t serve his country and receive the GI Bill and he wants to pay it forward. His true passion lies in fishing, and his ultimate goal is to protect the ecosystem and help prevent over-fishing in Bradenton by working with commercial fisheries. 

OGA recipient Jaelyn Landers graduated with an associate in arts degree. She plans to pursue a career in labor and delivery nursing, as she’s long wanted to help mothers, fathers and babies through some of the most challenging and wonderful times in their lives. Landers understands firsthand that tough choices are critical in life. She chose to stay close to home and attend SCF while working and spending time with her father, who lost his battle against kidney cancer. She’s since been supporting her family, paying for College and applying for any available scholarships. She served as President of the Student Government Association (SGA) and Vice President for STEM.Med, and in 2022, she served as the Vice President of SGA. Landers has also been an active Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Kappa Delta and History & Political Science Club member. Landers credits SCF’s many resources, from academic to mental health support, for her success and encourages fellow students never to shy away from asking for help. “SCF is definitely a place where you can grow and succeed.”

After a nine-year hiatus, OGA finalist Kristen Pizzo graduated with her associate in arts degree. Pizzo disregarded discouraging remarks that returning to College would be a waste of effort and was compelled to re-enroll at SCF to become a veterinary technician. She’d spent several years working at a veterinary clinic where she met a deaf client. Pizzo didn’t know American Sign Language (ASL) and could only use written communication. She felt helpless and immediately registered for SCF’s ASL classes, which led her to the College’s Tutoring and Academic Success Center (TASC). Working as a writing and ASL peer tutor ignited her passion to become an educator. She aims to work in the field as an interpreter before attaining a master’s degree in Interpreting Pedagogy to teach ASL in a higher education setting. Pizzo values relationship building and has joined several organizations, including the Nerd Culture Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Sarasota Deaf-ASL Group, and served as a Student Activity Budget Review representative. She earned Outstanding Academic Achievements in “Introduction to Literature” and “Horror, Fantasy & Science Fiction” and the Honors Convocation Award “Outstanding Award in American Sign Languages.” Working as a TASC tutor, Pizzo is most proud of the guidance she’s provided students, some with debilitating conditions. As someone who’s struggled with a severe speech impediment herself, she’s appreciative of SCF’s inclusivity. She urges students “to open your mind and heart to the wisdom and lessons people have to share, and I guarantee you will become the best version of yourself.”

This year’s Outstanding Graduate finalists and awardee remind us that SCF is your community’s College and we meet students where they are in their higher education journey.

Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld is President of State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota.

Photo courtesy SCF: Jaelyn Landers.