Florida college graduation speakers include Olympic Gold Medal winner, TV news host
Time to celebrate.
During the next few weeks, colleges and universities around Florida will hold commencement ceremonies. Many of these institutions now have multiple ceremonies for the different majors they offer.
Whether it is one big ceremony for the entire student body or smaller ceremonies based on disciplines, there's always interest in who will be speaking to the graduates. Here's a guide to the 2023 graduations at some of the college and universities around the Sunshine State and who the will be sharing their words of wisdom:
University of Florida
Ceremony: May 5 (University-wide)
Location: Steve Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium | Gainesville
By the numbers: More than 10,500 have applied for their degrees
Did you know? Additionally, rock artist Tom Petty will be awarded an honorary degree in music from UF. Members of his family will receive it on his behalf.
Speaker: U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist Speedskater Erin Jackson
Florida State University
Location: Donald L. Tucker Civic Center | Tallahassee
By the numbers: FSU will award degrees to 8,071 graduates, including 5,930 bachelor’s degrees, 1,475 master’s degrees and 252 doctoral degrees. The College of Law will confer 290 degrees and the College of Medicine will confer 124.
Speakers:
Nan Hillis, Retired bank executive
Jimmy Patronis, Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, State Fire Marshal and member of the Florida Cabinet
Dr. Joe Camps, Urologist, Advanced Urology Institute and vice president and chief academic officer at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital
Sue Semrau, Former FSU women’s basketball coach
University of Miami
Location: Watsco Center | Coral Gables Campus
By the numbers: More than 1,300 new doctorate and master’s degree holders and more than 2,100 who have earned their baccalaureates. More than 400 law students and approximately 200 medical students also will be earning their J.D. and M.D. designations from the University.
Speakers:
Amishi Jha, Neuroscientist and professor of psychology in the Division of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Miami
Chuck Todd, NBC News political director and moderator of “Meet the Press”
Erick Golnick, Chief executive officer for Forge Veteran and First Responder Health
Alberto Ibarguen, President of the John S. and James I. Knight Foundation
Dr. Jennifer Arnold, Program director, Immersive Design Systems, at Boston Children’s Hospital
Manny Medina, Founder and managing partner of Medina Capital
Debrorah Enix-Ross, President of the American Bar Association and senior advisor for the International Dispute Resolution Group of Debevoise & Plimpton
Florida A&M
Location: Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center and Teaching Gymnasium | Tallahassee
By the numbers: The University will confer more than 1,200 undergraduate and graduate degrees to students from 14 colleges and schools.
Speakers:
Calvin Mackie, Ph.D., President & chief executive officer (CEO) of STEM NOLA
Secretary Marcia Fudge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Harry Williams, Ph. D., Thurgood Marshall College Fund CEO and president
University of Central Florida
Location: Addition Financial Arena | Orlando
By the numbers: UCF will award more than 9,000 degrees during six commencement ceremonies.
Did you know? The Reflecting Pond on campus is one of the most iconic spots on campus for grad photos and this year the pond will have enhanced elements, such as flags on the lawn and black and gold balls in the water.
Speakers:
Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education
Suzanne Worthington, senior vice president of Orlando Health and president of Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies
Casandra Matej, president and CEO of Visit Orlando
Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance
John Davis, Florida Lottery’s 10th secretary
Shawn Welcome, poet laureate for the City of Orlando, and professional speaker and writer
University of South Florida
Location: Yuengling Center basketball arena | Tampa
By the numbers: USF will award more than 7,100 degrees during spring commencement. The ceremonies include recipients of 5,430 bachelor’s, 1,492 master’s, 221 doctoral degrees and eight specialist degrees. Speakers:
President Law, Provost Prasant Mohapatra
Faculty Senate President Jenifer Schneider
Senior Class President Nithin Palyam
Alumni Association representative Bill McCausland
Bethune-Cookman
Location: Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center | Daytona BeachSpeaker:
Carla Harris, Senior Client Advisor at Morgan Stanley
Florida Gulf Coast University
Ceremonies: May 6-7
Location: Alico Arena | Fort Myers
By the numbers: Approximately 1,900 students, between four ceremonies, will receive degrees
Did you know: FGCU named its fifth president in school history and first woman to hold the top position at the university on May 4.
Speakers:
Margaret Antonier, President and CEO of Miromar Development
Manuel “Manny” Fernandez, General Partner, SI Ventures; Former Chairman and CEO, Gartner
Douglas VanOort, Past Chairman and CEO NeoGenomics
Timothy Cartwright, Fifth Avenue Family Office, Partner and Co-Founder Tamiami Angel Funds, LLC, Chairman and Founder, Adrenaline Venture Fund, General Partner
Florida Atlantic University
Location: Carole and Barry Kaye Performing Arts Auditorium | Boca RatonBy the numbers: Six in-person commencement ceremonies with more than 3,000 degrees conferred.
Did you know: More than 199,000 alumni who have graduated from FAU since the University opened its doors in 1964.
Speakers:
Tevin Ali is a keynote speaker at higher education events nationwide, and is the founder of “Talk with Tevin,” an educational motivational platform.
Barbara Schmidt is a philanthropist, businesswoman and bestselling author, as well as the founder of the nonprofit organization, Peaceful Mind Peaceful Life.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida graduation speakers include Olympian, innovators, TV host
