Florida Universities Prepare for Graduation Ceremonies Amid Tragedy

News Summary

As graduation ceremonies unfold across Florida universities, heightened security and resilience are key themes following a tragic mass shooting at Florida State University. With the largest graduating class in history at FSU and significant events at other universities like UCF and UF, the emphasis on strength, compassion, and community support permeates the celebrations, which honor academic achievements while acknowledging recent adverse events.

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Thousands of students are preparing for graduation ceremonies across Florida’s universities, amid heightened security and preparations following a recent tragic event. Florida State University (FSU) is set to hold its graduation ceremonies just two weeks after a devastating mass shooting on its campus, which resulted in two fatalities and six injuries. The solemnity of the situation underscores a moment of resilience for the university community.

FSU will confer doctoral degrees on Friday morning, with additional graduation events scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. For the 2023 commencement, FSU is celebrating its largest graduating class in history, with approximately 8,690 students eligible to graduate and 7,183 expected to attend the ceremonies. Six commencement events are planned, including a doctoral hooding ceremony that took place earlier this week.

In light of the recent tragedy, FSU is emphasizing themes of strength, compassion, and hope during this year’s ceremonies. A moment of silence will be observed in honor of the victims of the shooting. The university has also implemented enhanced security measures, ensuring a visible police presence during all graduation events to ensure the safety and peace of mind of graduates and attendees.

Meanwhile, the University of Central Florida (UCF) has commenced its own graduation events early this morning, starting at 8:30 a.m. The school’s Gemini Boulevard will be closed for its commencement ceremony, signaling the scale of the event. The University of Florida (UF) will host a university-wide commencement tonight at 7 p.m., expecting a turnout of around 10,800 graduates participating in a series of 17 spring commencement ceremonies.

Florida Atlantic University (FAU) continues to conduct its graduation ceremonies as well, while Valencia College will kick off its spring commencement ceremony on Sunday at noon. Additionally, Rollins College is set to begin graduation events next week on May 10 at 9 a.m., with ceremonies scheduled for May 15 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Key Speakers and Guests

At FSU’s events, notable speakers include Ash Williams from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Ken Jones from the Florida Board of Governors, with former FSU College of Business Dean Mel Stith set to speak on May 3. The Florida A&M University (FAMU) will also celebrate over 1,300 graduates, marking the inaugural commencement presided over by interim President Timothy Beard. Distinguished speakers for FAMU include Adrienne Brown and Bernard Kinsey.

Tallahassee State College has already celebrated over 1,500 graduates, with County Commissioner Christian Caban serving as the keynote speaker. Meanwhile, UF’s interim President Kent Fuchs is expected to address attendees during the university-wide ceremony, and entrepreneur Sachio Semmoto will speak at the Doctoral Commencement Ceremony following earlier events.

Weather Contingencies

Gearing up for UF’s commencement, the university has also prepared for potential inclement weather, with clear ponchos provided for graduates and procedures in place for communicating any delays or cancellations.

Conclusion

The graduation season in Florida’s universities represents not only the celebration of academic achievements but also the strength of community standing together in the face of adversity. Institutions throughout the state are honoring their graduates and emphasizing safety and resilience while preparing for their commencement events.

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HERE Resources

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Celebrating a Journey of Dreams at Florida State University
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Tallahassee Celebrates FAMU’s Annual Day at the Capitol
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FAMU’s Be Out Day and Pro Day Highlight Community Spirit in Tallahassee
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Tallahassee Community Update: Leadership Changes and Growth
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Additional Resources

• WESH: Florida College Graduation Ceremonies
• Tallahassee.com: FSU and FAMU Spring Commencement Ceremonies
• Main Street Daily News: Spring UF Commencement Ceremonies
• Florida Gators: Commencement Weekend for Gator Student Athletes
• Lake Okeechobee News: IRSC Celebrates Nursing Graduates
• Wikipedia: Graduation
• Google Search: Florida University Graduation
• Google Scholar: Graduation Ceremonies
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Graduation
• Google News: Florida Graduation Ceremonies