Determination Defines the Day for SPC’s 148th Commencement

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’s commencement honors students whose perseverance and determination continue to define SPC’s legacy of opportunity and impact.

From trailblazing students to working parents and returning adults, each graduate represents a unique journey of resilience and dedication. Together, these students embody SPC’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities through accessible, high-quality education.

SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams applauds the graduates for their hard work and commitment to success.

“Our students inspire us every day with their courage, perseverance and purpose,” said Williams. “Their stories remind us that education changes lives: not just for individuals, but for families and generations to come.”

Among this year’s graduates are students who overcame obstacles, embraced new opportunities and drew strength from SPC’s supportive learning environment as they worked toward their degrees.

Graduate Spotlight: Achieving Without Limits

One inspiring graduate walking the stage this December is Yaritza Jimenez-Cedres, a student in SPC’s 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’s degree in radiologic technology and a bachelor’s degree in CT scan and MRI in Puerto Rico. When she moved to Florida, she discovered SPC’s program and the accessibility support she needed to thrive.

“I 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,” 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.

“Being 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,” she said.

Her story reflects SPC’s commitment to accessibility, student-centered support and creating pathways for all students to succeed.

Graduate Spotlight: Finding Direction Through Creativity and Service

Chris Tucker, a U.S. Army veteran and digital photography student in SPC’s Arts, Humanities, and Design program, graduates this month with support from the Veterans Affairs’ 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’s Photography Department and Veterans Services team for helping him reach this stage.

“The leadership in the Veterans Services department and the SPC instructors are exceptional and professional,” he said. “They provided the equipment and environment I needed to succeed.”

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.

Tucker recently gained attention for his photography assignment, “SELF — Marked By Survival,” where he used his own body as a canvas to represent personal trials and resilience. “I wanted to make a statement that no matter how well someone appears, most have hardships that build resilience,” he said.

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: “Your discipline and resilience give you an edge in the classroom. You’ve served your country, now invest in yourself.”

Legacy of Academic Excellence and Workforce Innovation

SPC offers more than 300 degree and certificate pathways, backed by a legacy of innovation as Florida’s first two-year institution and the first to offer bachelor’s degrees. Developed in partnership with industry leaders, SPC’s career-focused programs equip students with real-world skills to succeed in today’s workforce.

For many graduates, this milestone represents not only academic achievement but also a life-changing step forward, made possible through determination, opportunity and support.

“We are proud of every student who has reached this moment,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Each graduate’s success represents SPC’s mission in action — transforming lives through learning.”

By the numbers:

Summer 2025 Graduates

SPC awarded 994 degrees and certificates during the Summer 2025 term, including:

• 465 Associate in Arts degrees
• 145 Associate in Science degrees
• 51 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees
• 60 Bachelor of Science degrees
• 413 Certifications

Fall 2025 Candidates

The Fall 2025 class includes 1,121 degree and certificate candidates, including:

• 337 Associate in Arts degrees
• 184 Associate in Science degrees
• 131 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees
• 53 Bachelor of Science degrees
• 354 Certifications

For more graduation information, visit the SPC Graduation webpage.