Pomp and circumstance mark Seminole State Spring 2022 Commencement

Following a successful series of pandemic era drive-through graduations, Seminole State College of Florida returned to Addition Financial Arena at University of Central Florida May 2 to celebrate its Spring 2022 graduates with all the traditional pomp and circumstance of commencement. The College awarded nearly 2,500 degrees, certificates and diplomas to more than 2,000 students this spring.
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Among the graduates were 175 students representing each of Seminole State’s seven baccalaureate programs. The College will add four more bachelor’s degrees this fall, including management and organizational leadership; elementary education K-6; exceptional student education K-12; and public safety administration.

In addition to the traditional faculty challenge delivered by Faculty Senate President Tracy Harbin and the student challenge issued by Altamonte Springs Campus Student Government Association President Yesmene Chikha, faculty, staff, students and guests were greeted by Seminole State President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz who commended the students for their resilience in the face of many challenges. “Your resilience shows up every day, and it’s remarkable,” Lorenz said. “You showed up, when during this very challenging time, it would have been easier to just stop. You worked really hard to get to this point – your graduation!”  

Seminole State welcomed its first commencement speaker since the pandemic began, Malika Harrison, president of MASH Consulting and former director of social responsibility at Orlando Magic and Orlando Magic Youth Foundation, who delivered the keynote address, reminding the graduates that they were all born with purpose and promise.

“Without a doubt, no future generation will be more equipped to lead, advocate, and create lasting

change than you, the class of 2022!” Harrison said. “So, leave your indelible mark. And now more than ever before, be of service to others.” 

Seminole State also recognized its 2022 Endowed Teaching Chairs during the ceremony:

• Jacqueline Boyce, professor of biological sciences, The Chesley G. Magruder Foundation Endowed Teaching Chair
• Dr. Shahin Kanani, professor/program manager of pharmacy tech, Vinson Henderson Memorial Endowed Teaching Chair
• Dr. Christopher Lorscher, professor of physical sciences, Siemens Endowed Teaching Chair
• Tamara Steffy, professor of mathematics, CenturyLink Endowed Teaching Chair

The four honorees each received $5,000 and a framed medallion.

During the recessional, graduates cheered as Seminole State-branded beach balls were thrown into air, capping the ceremony in celebration.