Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host spring commencement on
Wednesday, May 1, in the Physical Fitness Center at the West Campus in New
Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road. Two commencement ceremonies will honor
graduates earning bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, certificates and
diplomas. The morning ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the afternoon
commencement will begin at 3 p.m. The event live stream link will be available
at phsc.edu.
This year’s spring graduates include many ambitious and accomplished students,
and some who have encountered adversity in pursuit of higher education.
Graduate Highlights
Stephanie Bostick: Stephanie will be graduating with both her AA and AS-Legal
Assisting degrees in May 2019. She started her college career as a Computer
Technology major in the Spring term of with the assistance of the VA’s
Dependent Education Assistance program as a wife of a disabled veteran,
Patrick Bostick, who served in the US Army. There were only three semesters
she did not attend during her time at PHSC, and continued to pursue her
education, even after her husband passed away during her enrollment. She has
been an inspiration to her children, as currently three of her children are
attending PHSC.
Nolan Martinez: Nolan first came to a PHSC campus in middle school as part of
the College Reach-Out Program (CROP) and at the time probably didn’t envision
how important he would become to the campus. This young man has truly made the
most of his college experience and grown tremendously in the process. An
ambassador and student worker, Nolan embodies all that a student leader should
be. His willingness to help others and serve PHSC in the process has made him
a truly valuable commodity on campus. As a student leader, he has represented
PHSC at conferences, recruiting events, and student panels.
Maria Madeiros: Maria grew up in Brazil, completed a GED in the US, and then
enrolled here. She has worked very hard to complete her degree, while
learning to speak English. When she graduates with her AA, she will be the
first person in her family to earn one.
Tracy Meshey: Tracy is graduating with her AS despite suffering a traumatic
brain injury right after beginning her degree. A fall left her with a broken
foot and brain injury which caused memory loss and difficulty with speech.
Even while enduring a lengthy recovery, Tracy refused to give up and continued
with her coursework so she could graduate on May 1. Her son is also a PHSC
student working toward his bachelor’s degree. She says he helped her finish
sentences when she was unable to during her degree.
Student speakers include Maria Emilia Caldron Arzube, from Porter Campus
(morning) and Nolan Martinez, from East Campus (afternoon). Other graduation
speakers include: District Board of Trustees Chair Robin Schneider, in the
morning, and District Board of Trustees Vice Chair Alvaro Hernandez, afternoon
ceremony; Charge to the Graduates Speakers Al Nienhuis, Hernando County
Sheriff (afternoon), and Mike Fasano, Pasco County Tax Collector (afternoon);
and Faculty Remarks by Faculty Senate Vice President Phyllis Wrench, assistant
professor, information technology (morning) and Faculty Senate President Karen
Lederer, Ph.D., professor, information technology (afternoon).
Approximately 433 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the
ceremonies. An estimated 998 spring graduates are eligible to participate.
There are also 76 dual-enrollment students graduating; these students are
completing their associate’s degrees before graduating high school.