More than 1,000 graduate from State College of Florida

The State College of Florida (SCF) Manatee-Sarasota recently bid farewell and good luck to 1,050 students who completed their degree requirements over the summer and fall. Approximately 245 students participated in the graduation ceremony at the Bradenton Area Convention Center in Palmetto.

Alumnus Maury R. Kolchakian, who graduated from SCF (then Manatee Junior College) in 1973 and has had a long tenure in public service in Tallahassee, gave the graduation speech.

The college handed out 55 bachelor's degrees, 186 associate's degrees and four certificates.
 
Nursing student Randy Allen Gilmore won the Outstanding Graduate Award, earning a $1,500 award from the State College of Florida Foundation.

The SCF Chamber Choir and SCF Symphony Orchestra performed during the ceremony, led by Music Program Director Melodie Dickerson and Director of Instrumental Studies Robyn Bell, respectively.