(Bradenton, Fla., Dec. 10, 2021) — More than 290 students participated in State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota’s (SCF) graduation ceremonies on Dec. 10 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center. They were among more than 1,200 students that completed their degree requirements in the summer and fall semesters earning 753 associate in arts degrees, 211 associate in science degrees, 163 bachelor’s degrees, and 172 workforce certificates.
The Outstanding Graduate Award was presented to Jordyn Chiodo, who graduated with her Associate in Arts with a 4.0 GPA. She plans to attend the University of Florida and pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public relations and advertising.
The keynote speaker for the evening ceremony was Melissa Larkin-Skinner, a 1990 SCF alumna. Larkin-Skinner is the CEO of Centerstone Florida. She began serving this summer as board chair for the Florida Behavioral Health Association and was also elected to the board of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, representing Region IV. She is also the only behavioral health provider appointed to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Commission and was recently appointed to the Florida Commission on Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Isera Tyson Miller, language and literature department chair and professor of English, served as the mace bearer and offered a short welcome to begin the ceremony. Additional ceremony participants included SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld; Dr. Todd G. Fritch, executive vice president and provost; Jennifer A. Bieselin, professor, language and literature department; Toni M. McLeroy, associate professor, dental hygiene; Juwaan M. Jenkins, 2020-2021 Student Government Association president; and the Rev. Michael P. Todd, campus ministry.
The SCF Chamber Choir, directed by Melodie Dickerson, SCF’s director of choral and vocal studies, sang the national anthem. The SCF Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. Robyn Bell, SCF music program manager and director of instrumental studies, performed the processional and recessional.
For more information about SCF, visit SCF.edu.