Florida Polytechnic Celebrates Historic Graduation of 330 STEM Graduates

Lakeland, Florida, USA - Florida Polytechnic University has made history by celebrating its largest graduating class to date, with over 330 students earning their degrees. This milestone ceremony took place at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, marking the culmination of intense study and invaluable hands-on learning experiences for these graduates. For many, including computer engineering graduate Akilah Dixon, this was a moment of elation, representing four years of hard work paying off in a big way.

The commencement ceremony held special significance, as it was the first presided over by the new University President, Devin Stephenson. In his address, Stephenson highlighted the qualities essential for success in today’s rapidly evolving world: grit, adaptability, and a commitment to personal growth. His remarks set a hopeful tone for the future of these graduates, encouraging them to chart their own paths in a landscape that demands resilience and innovation.

Words of Wisdom

Ray Rodrigues, the chancellor of the State University System of Florida, served as the commencement speaker, sharing valuable lessons with the audience. Rodrigues urged graduates to put down their smartphones to appreciate the moment, to view failure as merely a stepping stone rather than the end of the road, and to embrace the concept of lifelong learning. These insights resonated deeply with a crowd eager to embark on their next life chapters.

Among the graduates was Raúl Lopez, a computer science degree holder who is set to begin his career with Bank of America as a full-stack software engineer. In his speech, Lopez conveyed an important message: cherish the memories made during college and believe in one’s potential. His encouragement to stand out rather than conformed to norms struck a chord among his fellow graduates, marking a poignant moment in the ceremony.

A Bright Future

Florida Polytechnic University’s commitment to producing highly sought-after STEM graduates is evident not just in the size of its graduating class, but also in the profile of its students. As the university looks to the future, the incoming cohort, Batch Aagaz, represents a new generation of diverse second-year BSc students for the academic year 2023-2024. Their blend of cultures, perspectives, and talents promises to enrich the classroom experience further.

Batch Aagaz has made its mark through academic rigor and curiosity, particularly excelling in natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science. But their engagement extends beyond academics—students actively participate in extracurricular activities, demonstrating leadership across organizations and community service. Their collaborative spirit fosters a dynamic environment as they share knowledge and work collaboratively in study groups and project teams.

Commitment to Excellence

The success of Florida Polytechnic University is reflected in its recent graduation statistics. The institution has seen an impressive graduation rate jump to 53% in the last academic year, a significant increase compared to the average of 22.78% over the past nine years. The retention rate reveals stability as well, with full-time students maintaining a 76.56% retention rate over the past decade, showcasing the university’s supportive environment.

With a student-to-faculty ratio of 17 to 1, Florida Polytechnic University ensures that students receive personalized attention that enhances their educational journey. Such an approach not only prepares graduates for immediate career paths but also sets the stage for future academic advancements and opportunities.

The celebration of this record-breaking graduating class serves as a testament to Florida Polytechnic University’s role as a leading institution in STEM education. As these graduates step out into the world, the values instilled in them during their time here, coupled with their strong academic foundation, certainly bode well for their futures.

For more details on this momentous occasion and the university’s initiatives, visit West Orlando News, Florida Polytechnic University on LinkedIn, and the graduation statistics at College Tuition Compare.