May 9, 2025
10:00 A.M. & 2:00 P.M.
Raider Arena
Niceville, FL
Northwest Florida State College Background
The College was founded in April 1963 as Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, the 18th of the state’s eventual 28 junior and community colleges. The College fi rst opened its doors to students in August 1964 at a temporary campus in Valparaiso. The first student body consisted of 767 students. The first commencement of 85 charter students took place on May 1, 1966, in Perrine Park, Valparaiso. Today, the College serves nearly 6,500 students each year in credit and non-credit programs. In additi on to the College’s Niceville campus, Northwest Florida State College operates a joint campus with the University of West Florida in Fort Walton Beach and delivers instruction and service at the Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs, the Robert L.F. Sikes Education Center and the Aviation Center of Excellence in Crestview, and centers at Hurlburt Field and in South Walton.
Throughout 60 years of service, Northwest Florida State College has earned a reputation for educational excellence and community involvement. The College offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas.
The College’s 264-acre campus in Niceville includes instructi onal faciliti es, administrati ve offices, the Raider Arena sports complex and wellness center, the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center and Amphitheatre, the Mary Lou O’Connor Child Development & Educati on Center, a Criminal Justi ce Training Center, the Susan Myers Learning Resources Center, an observatory, the Veterans & Military Success Center, and the Collegiate High School.
On commencement day, Northwest Florida State College celebrates the achievements of its students who are the true measure of the College’s success. Congratulations!
Accreditation
Northwest Florida State College is accredited by the Southern Associati on of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate and baccalaureate degrees. Degree-granting insti tutions also may offer credentials such as certi ficates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Northwest Florida State College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
History of Academic Regalia
The origins of academic regalia date back as early as the 12th century. Scholars defined as either a teacher or student were required to wear the dress of a cleric. Long gowns and hoods were necessary to keep warm due to unheated buildings. The traditional gown and hood have transformed into the academic regalia worn during commencement today.
There are several characteristics for the gown. The sleeves are pointed for the bachelor’s degree. The gown for the master’s degree has oblong sleeves and doctor’s degrees has bell shaped sleeves. The gowns for the bachelor’s or master’s degrees are untrimmed. The doctor’s degree gown has three bars of velvet used across the sleeve and down the front. The facings and crossbars may be velvet of the color distinctive of the disciplines for the degree earned.
Hoods are generally black and made out of the same material as the gown. The length of the hood varies for each level. A bachelor’s degree must be three feet, master’s degree three and one-half feet, and doctor’s degree, four feet. The hood for the doctor’s degree should only have panels at the sides. The hoods are lined with the official color or colors of the college conferring the degree. The edging of the hood should be velvet or velveteen, two to five inches wide for the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. The color is indicative of the subject to which the degree pertains.
The cap worn for commencement is called a mortarboard. The color is black as well as the tassel. The tassel can vary depending on the subject area and level of education. The doctor’s cap may have a gold tassel.
Academic regalia have been worn by many scholars throughout the centuries. The tradition continues at Northwest Florida State College.
Recognition Levels
For a degree program (Baccalaureate and Associate), a student’s total academic record is reviewed to determine eligibility for recognition of outstanding academic achievement. The levels of recognition for students enrolled in degree programs include the following:
Summa Cum Laude
Magna Cum Laude
Cum Laude
For a certificate or diploma program (Career Certificate, College Credit Certificate or Applied Technology Diploma), all coursework pursued for the certificate or diploma will be reviewed to determine eligibility for recognition of outstanding academic achievement. The level of recognition for the students enrolled in certificate or diploma programs includes the following:
Highest Honors Institutional
High Honors
Honors
Summer & Fall graduates – Final GPA used for program and ceremony. Spring prospective graduates – Fall GPA is used because Spring grades are not posted until after the ceremony.
Graduates wearing Red, White, and Blue Cords represent Military Active Duty, Retired, and Veterans. Graduates wearing Gold Stoles and Tassels represent Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members.
Program - 2:00 p.m.
Ceremony
*Processional “Pomp and Circumstance,” composed by Edward Elgar
*Singing of the National Anthem Voices of Northwest Florida
*Invocation
Gabriela Kelly, Student Representative
Welcome Lori Kelley Chair, Board of Trustees
Introduction of Board of Trustees, Recognition of Dignitaries, Introduction of Guest Speaker ................................................................ Mel Ponder NWFSC President
Commencement Address ......................................................................... Mark Glass
Instructions to the Candidates .....................................................
Dr. Jenna Sheffield Vice President for Academic Affairs
Presentation of Candidates
Dr. Jenna Sheffield Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferring of Degrees .............................................................................. Mel Ponder NWFSC President
*Recessional .............................................................................................. Music Mix
Student Marshals
Dr. Aimee Watts
Dr. Sabrina Capps
Rhonda Springfield
Lisa Walton
Jason Masters
Faculty Marshals
Elissa Miller
Dr. Jessica Temple
Please remain at your seat until the stage party, faculty, and graduating class have exited the Arena. Thank you.
*Audience stands
Spring 2025 Commencement
Career Certificate
Aviation Powerplant Mechanics
Marlene Carby **
Welding Technology
David M. Beard
Oscar Green
Lauren E. Kelly
Danielle Roura
Welding Technology - Advanced
Joshua E. Cadenhead
Jordan H. Crim
David Joseph Keicher *
College Credit Certificate
Building Construction Specialist
Nolan Berry
Derrick Bumpers ***
Brynn Elizabeth Mansfield ***
Business Specialist (HR)
Abdiel Onge Alvarado-Pabon
Computer Programmer
David William Spicer *
Computer Programmer Specialist
David William Spicer *
Culinary Arts
Ivan R. Acosta
Juliana Kimberly Bascom
Lilly Estelle Gore *
Megan J. Triplett
Khatia Chani Yarbrough
Medical Coder/Biller
Joseph David Martin
Paramedic
Phillip Offen
Associate in Arts (continued)
Jessica Ellen Hill ◊
Kevin Timothy Hill
Lael Asenath Hinger
Katherine Hoffman ◊◊
Jackson Hoppe ◊
Brooklyn Horn ◊
Lily Howland ◊◊◊
Joseph Michael Hubbard ◊◊◊
Jackson Paul Huckabee ◊
Josephine Humphrey ◊◊◊
Ashton Connor Hunt
Adyson Paige Hutchins
Addie Camille Ingle ◊◊◊
Brianna Marie Isley ◊
Wutthichai Jansai ◊◊
Jazyah Marie Jarboe
Garrett Jarvis
Allyson Hope Jenkins ◊
Elias Lloyd Jimenez
Ayden Dewayne Lee Johnson ◊
Chloe Ann Jordan ◊
Tiffany M. Kalema ◊◊◊
Matthew Braylen Keller
Gabriela Nicole Kelly
Keanna Capris Kenens ◊◊
Thien Khong ◊
Lillian Kiel
Owen Timothy King ◊◊
Eliana Joy Kinneman ◊
Taylor Knaepple ◊◊
Kaylee Koelsch ◊◊◊
Kaylee Madison Kollross ◊◊
Jordan DeAnn Kornele ◊
Andrew Kostur ◊◊
Angelina Skye Kouchnir ◊◊◊
Alexander Michael Kruse ◊
Denis Leon LaBarre ◊◊◊
Aiden Lambert
Daniel Jacob Landis ◊
Emma Katherine Lathinghouse ◊◊
Rebecca N. Logan ◊
Jackson D. Lucas
Emma Ludwig ◊◊
Audrey Elizabeth Luedtke
Queenie Rose Luzon
Lucas Maas ◊◊◊
Caleb Maddox ◊◊
Soraya Mailandt
Zion Mailandt
Noelle Mallory ◊◊
Aubrey Evan Maloy
Lakesha LeeAnn Marion
Nevaeh Shontae Marion
Bailey Maris ◊
Jaxon Marler ◊◊◊
Finn Martin
Theodore Masino ◊
Isabella Lorraine Mason ◊◊
Brynne Massey ◊◊◊
Kalina Matos
Alicia Skarlette Matos Ferrera ◊◊
Avery Maxwell ◊◊◊
Yeramis Maysonet ◊◊
Baylea Rae McAdoo ◊◊
Addison Bliss McBride ◊◊◊
Jillian McCarthy ◊
Maria Graciela I. McGuire
Aiturgan McKinney
Hannah Marie McKosky ◊◊◊
Rachel McSwain ◊◊
Thalia Mendoza
Camryn Meyer ◊
Jonathan Mick ◊
Hannah Grace Miller ◊◊◊
Kelsey Miller ◊◊◊
Amanda Loren Mitchell ◊
Gabrielle Brianna Mize
Trevor Moeller ◊◊
Allison Mooney
Clete Nathaniel Moore ◊◊◊
Janet Moore ◊
Marshall Colt Moore ◊◊◊
Porchalee Morgan ◊◊
Stella Music ◊◊
Jackson Ray Myrick ◊
Ethan Neidigk ◊
Aynzlie Nelson ◊◊
Layla R. Newman
Railey Ann Newman ◊
Anh Quang Nguyen
Jessica Thu Ngoc Nguyen ◊◊◊
Vu Nguyen ◊
Alona A. Nibblett
Lauren Belle Norwood ◊◊
Chloe Elizabeth Orvis
Brogan Gage Osborn ◊◊
Allison Osti ◊◊
Mary Elyse Owens
Alyana Pacione ◊◊
Sophia Elizabeth Parker ◊
Juan Pablo Pastrana ◊◊
Kady Elle Patterson ◊◊
McKazlyn Kazz Payne ◊◊
Camille Peck ◊◊◊
Juan Diego Perez
David Perkins ◊◊◊
Jason C. Philpot ◊◊
Houston Potter ◊◊
Koi L. Powell ◊
Brianna Evonne Price ◊◊
Daisy Fae Proffitt
Nguyen Buu Quach ◊
Chloe Alana Radford
Eric Radomski
Lavaris Kayne Randle ◊
Jada Danielle Randolph
Marysia Sofia Ray ◊
Ana Reed
Juliano Reents-Velez
Kaylen Reese
Amber Lynn Reinke ◊
Edgar Reyes
Nyeli Reyes ◊◊◊
Javon Reynolds
Allie Marie Richardson ◊
Joshua M. Riggs
Jackson Charles Roach ◊
Hayleigh Elizabeth Roberson
Kaela Roberts ◊
Jonathan Brady Robertson
Zoe Alyssa Robinson ◊◊◊
Elizabeth Roles-Stear
Associate in Arts
Makenzie Russum ◊
Sarah Ruttig
Alyssa Ryerson ◊
Melanie Dayana Sabillon Morel ◊◊
Liam Saenz
Connor Wyatt Saffo
MacKeina Saintilus ◊◊
John Savini ◊◊
Abbygayle Grace Schaeuble
Samuel B. Schmidt
Xavier Schoeneman
Madison Michelle Schott ◊
Brianna R. Schuessler ◊
Grace Scofield ◊◊◊
Lucy Jene Shell ◊
Kayla Shirey ◊◊◊
Aubrey Sirmans
Bailey Breanne Slay
Abigail Carlotta Smith ◊◊
Addison Elizabeth Smith ◊◊
Faith Smith
Isabela Smith
Isabella Grace Smith
Savannah Nichole Smith ◊◊
Erin Meghan Snell
Jackson Sparks ◊
Heleena Suzzanne Stamaris
Chelsea Stieren ◊
Savannah Stockman
Gracie Lynn St.Onge ◊
Naomi Storr
Andrew George Strombelline
Hannah Abigail Sustaita ◊◊◊
Susan Savannah Swain ◊
Kai Swanson ◊◊
Arthur Glen Teague
Bethany Renee Teboe ◊◊
Isabelle Rian Terrell
Dennis Wayne Thomas
Kaitlyn Rose Thomas ◊◊◊
Roy Thomas ◊◊
Holly Grace Thompson ◊◊◊
Olivia Lee Thompson
Sadie Grace Thornton
Kristina Tolkacheva ◊◊◊
Neveah Jean Tom ◊
Vinny V. Tran
Jorman Sadir Trochez Aquino
Kaitlyn Marie Tucker ◊
Michaya Turner
Miracle Eleria Valencia ◊
Giana R. Valente
Kathy Jazmin Vasquez-Reyes
Alivia Kaydence Vaughan ◊◊
Brooklynne A. Velez ◊
Jacob Tyler Walden
John Alexander Walsh
Esther Ivette Watkins ◊◊◊
Evdokia Watkins ◊◊
Sara Watson ◊
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Diana Baran-Ralbovsky ◊◊◊
Rachelle Bieser ◊◊◊
Terra Franklin ◊◊◊
Ashley Karel Hamm
Sohnian Roselea Henderson ◊
Rachel Knepp ◊◊◊
Meghan Lucas
Talor Meigs
Thuymi Nguyen
Jenifer Diana Querns ◊
Inna Reale
Ellen Riggs
Ariadne Ruiz Cicilia ◊◊◊
Shante Solomon ◊◊
Jonathan Tyler Watters
Caleb Thomas Lee Wayer ◊◊◊
Allison Paige Weeks ◊
Mason Chandler Wells
Alabama Addison-Leigh
Weninegar ◊
Olivia Faith White ◊
Reese Olivia Whitehead ◊
Ciara Juliette Whitt
Lauren Charlie Widman ◊◊
Benjamin M. Williams
Abryanna C. Wilson
Julia Kathryn Wilson ◊◊
Lucy Wright ◊◊◊
Zoelie A. Wright
Evan Yurack ◊◊◊
Jonathon Zudell ◊
Cristina S. Timmons ◊
Michelle Tolentino ◊
Pledges
Nursing Pledge
(Based on the original Florence Nightingale pledge)
Led by Dr. Tanya Beauregard, Director of Nursing
“In the full knowledge of the obligations I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all of the skill and understanding I possess, without regard to race, creed, color, politics, or social status.
I will respect at all times the dignity and religious beliefs of the patients under my care, holding in confidence all personal information entrusted to me and refraining from any action that might endanger life or health.
I will endeavor to keep my professional knowledge and skill at the highest level and to give loyal support and cooperation to all members of the health team.
I will do my utmost to honor the international code of ethics applied to nursing and to uphold the integrity of the nurse.”
