St. Petersburg College will celebrate its Summer 2025 graduates and Fall 2025 graduates with a commencement ceremony on Dec. 15 at The BayCare Sound, Coachman Park, Clearwater, starting at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 5 p.m. The College\u2019s commencement honors students whose perseverance and determination continue to define SPC\u2019s legacy of opportunity and impact.<\/p>\n
From trailblazing students to working parents and returning adults, each graduate represents a unique journey of resilience and dedication. Together, these students embody SPC\u2019s mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities through accessible, high-quality education.<\/p>\n
SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams applauds the graduates for their hard work and commitment to success.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur students inspire us every day with their courage, perseverance and purpose,\u201d said Williams. \u201cTheir stories remind us that education changes lives: not just for individuals, but for families and generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among this year\u2019s graduates are students who overcame obstacles, embraced new opportunities and drew strength from SPC\u2019s supportive learning environment as they worked toward their degrees.<\/p>\n
Graduate Spotlight: Achieving Without Limits<\/p>\n
One inspiring graduate walking the stage this December is Yaritza Jimenez-Cedres, a student in SPC\u2019s Medical Coding and Revenue Management Certificate program. A deaf student and experienced health care professional, Jimenez-Cedres came to SPC determined to expand her career opportunities after earning an associate\u2019s degree in radiologic technology and a bachelor\u2019s degree in CT scan and MRI in Puerto Rico. When she moved to Florida, she discovered SPC\u2019s program and the accessibility support she needed to thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am deaf and thanks to the incredible accessibility support, interpreters and inclusive environment at SPC, I have been able to shine and achieve my goals,\u201d she said. Jimenez-Cedres says SPC empowered her to pursue a new path in medical coding, one that allows her to apply her clinical knowledge to support accurate documentation, compliance and patient care within healthcare organizations.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing part of this institution has not only helped me advance in my career, but has also inspired me to show others, especially people with disabilities, that there are no limits when there is determination and support,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Her story reflects SPC\u2019s commitment to accessibility, student-centered support and creating pathways for all students to succeed.<\/p>\n
Graduate Spotlight: Finding Direction Through Creativity and Service<\/p>\n
Chris Tucker, a U.S. Army veteran and digital photography student in SPC\u2019s Arts, Humanities, and Design program, graduates this month with support from the Veterans Affairs\u2019 Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program. He said both SPC and VR&E provided stability and direction as he transitioned back to civilian life. Tucker has completed freelance photography projects and is now building his business, Chris Tucker Media, specializing in real estate and drone photography. He credits SPC\u2019s Photography Department and Veterans Services team for helping him reach this stage.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe leadership in the Veterans Services department and the SPC instructors are exceptional and professional,\u201d he said. \u201cThey provided the equipment and environment I needed to succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also emphasized the value of VR&E, noting that it offered crucial career support when the civilian workforce felt uncertain and remains essential for helping veterans adapt to evolving career demands.<\/p>\n
Tucker recently gained attention for his photography assignment, \u201cSELF \u2014 Marked By Survival,\u201d where he used his own body as a canvas to represent personal trials and resilience. \u201cI wanted to make a statement that no matter how well someone appears, most have hardships that build resilience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
After graduation, Tucker plans to expand his business, continue supporting fellow veterans and work toward becoming a certified peer support counselor for the state of Florida. He encourages veterans to pursue education with confidence, offering this shortened message: \u201cYour discipline and resilience give you an edge in the classroom. You\u2019ve served your country, now invest in yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n
Legacy of Academic Excellence and Workforce Innovation<\/p>\n
SPC offers more than 300 degree and certificate pathways, backed by a legacy of innovation as Florida\u2019s first two-year institution and the first to offer bachelor\u2019s degrees. Developed in partnership with industry leaders, SPC\u2019s career-focused programs equip students with real-world skills to succeed in today\u2019s workforce.<\/p>\n
For many graduates, this milestone represents not only academic achievement but also a life-changing step forward, made possible through determination, opportunity and support.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are proud of every student who has reached this moment,\u201d said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, Vice President of Academic Affairs. \u201cEach graduate\u2019s success represents SPC\u2019s mission in action \u2014 transforming lives through learning.\u201d<\/p>\n
By the numbers:<\/p>\n
Summer 2025 Graduates<\/p>\n
SPC awarded 994 degrees and certificates during the Summer 2025 term, including:<\/p>\n
\n465 Associate in Arts degrees
\n145 Associate in Science degrees
\n51 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees
\n60 Bachelor of Science degrees
\n413 Certifications
<\/p>\n
Fall 2025 Candidates <\/p>\n
The Fall 2025 class includes 1,121 degree and certificate candidates, including:<\/p>\n
\n337 Associate in Arts degrees
\n184 Associate in Science degrees
\n131 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees
\n53 Bachelor of Science degrees
\n354 Certifications
<\/p>\n