Staff Reports
Florida Polytechnic University held its Spring commencement Sunday, graduating its largest cohort ever.
More than 330 students earned degrees in in-demand fields at the Lakeland-based all-STEM public university, walking across the stage to receive their degrees at the RP Funding Center.
“It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m glad that four years of hard work have finally come to an end,” said computer engineering graduate Akilah Dixon, from Land O’ Lakes. “It’s just an exciting feeling that I cannot describe.”
In addition to breaking its commencement record, the ceremony was also the first graduation led by new University President Devin Stephenson, who assumed his position last July. Stephenson replaced the school’s first President, Randy Avent, after his retirement.
“As you prepare for the next chapter, remember that success is not just about intelligence or talent, it’s about grit, adaptability to change, and an unrelenting commitment to growth,” Stephenson said to graduates. “The world will present obstacles, but you have already proven during your time at Florida Poly that you have the tenacity to overcome them.”
Ray Rodrigues, Chancellor of the State University System of Florida, served as the commencement speaker.
“You’re going to be stepping off campus and into the real world, and it is a world full of adventure, fun and joy,” Rodrigues said, underscoring three lessons he wanted graduates to carry with them through life. “Put down your smartphones; know failure is not the end — do not accept it; and leave here prepared to be a lifelong learner.”
“Go change the world,” he added.
Student speaker Raúl Lopez, a computer science graduate who will soon join Bank of America in New York City as a full-stack software engineer, encouraged his peers to cherish their Florida Poly memories and believe in their talents and abilities.
“The world’s greatest innovators weren’t given permission,” Lopez said. “They believed in their potential, combated doubt, and made their own way. Let’s carry that fire forward — not to fit in, but to stand out.”
