Florida Southern College Celebrates December Graduation of 160 Students
On December 20, 2025, Florida Southern College hosted its commencement ceremony, celebrating the achievements of 160 graduates in a heartfelt gathering. The event, held in Lakeland, Florida, was notable not only for the number of students graduating but also for the inspirational keynote speech delivered by Mark Pitts, a trustee at the college and the Vice President General Manager at Florida Fresh Vending Markets.
Mark Pitts was honored with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony. His impactful speech drew from over 35 years of experience in various leadership roles across Fortune 100 companies, midsize firms, family-owned businesses, and within professional sports organizations. Pitts, known for his people-centered approach, has held pivotal roles with esteemed organizations including PRG-Schultz Inc., Coca-Cola North America, and the Tampa Bay Lightning/Vinik Sports Group. His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing themes of resilience and the importance of leadership in today’s dynamic world.
The ceremony featured remarks from Marina Linnert, a senior speaker, who shared insights on perseverance, reminding her classmates of the hard work and dedication that led to their graduation day. The ceremony also included several prestigious awards. Michelle Watts, majoring in elementary education, received the President's Scholar Medal for her remarkable scholarly achievements and leadership on campus. Additionally, Kelly Sturhahn was honored with the Dr. Sarah Dukes McKay Fine and Performing Arts Award for her outstanding contributions to the arts within the college community.
Florida Southern College’s President Jeremy Martin delivered opening remarks reflecting on the accomplishments of the graduating class. 'Members of this class have achieved acceptance into notable graduate programs and secured positions as healthcare professionals, educators, commissioned military officers, actors, musicians, and business leaders in Fortune 500 companies across the country,' said Martin, underlining the bright futures that lie ahead for these graduates.
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College holds the title of the oldest private college in the state of Florida. The institution is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence, offering over 70 undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. With an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and recognition as a national leader in engaged learning, Florida Southern College is committed to fostering an environment that promotes student success.
In the 2025 'Best Colleges' guide by U.S. News & World Report, the college ranked #11 among 'Best Regional Universities in the South,' #9 for 'Most Innovative Schools,' and #20 for 'Best Value Schools.' The recognition extends to being featured in The Princeton Review's 2024 guide of the best 389 colleges and in the 'Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025.' Florida Southern's esteemed Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise and its School of Education have earned accolades in various educational rankings as well.
Notably, the college boasts the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and has consistently ranked among the top 20 'Most Beautiful Campuses' according to The Princeton Review, achieving a remarkable #5 ranking this year. With such a rich history and strong commitment to academic and artistic excellence, Florida Southern College continues to produce graduates who are well-prepared to make significant impacts in their respective fields. This commencement ceremony marked not just an ending, but a new beginning for the 160 graduates, each ready to embark on their personal journey toward making a difference in the world.
Mark Pitts was honored with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree during the ceremony. His impactful speech drew from over 35 years of experience in various leadership roles across Fortune 100 companies, midsize firms, family-owned businesses, and within professional sports organizations. Pitts, known for his people-centered approach, has held pivotal roles with esteemed organizations including PRG-Schultz Inc., Coca-Cola North America, and the Tampa Bay Lightning/Vinik Sports Group. His words resonated with the audience, emphasizing themes of resilience and the importance of leadership in today’s dynamic world.
The ceremony featured remarks from Marina Linnert, a senior speaker, who shared insights on perseverance, reminding her classmates of the hard work and dedication that led to their graduation day. The ceremony also included several prestigious awards. Michelle Watts, majoring in elementary education, received the President's Scholar Medal for her remarkable scholarly achievements and leadership on campus. Additionally, Kelly Sturhahn was honored with the Dr. Sarah Dukes McKay Fine and Performing Arts Award for her outstanding contributions to the arts within the college community.
Florida Southern College’s President Jeremy Martin delivered opening remarks reflecting on the accomplishments of the graduating class. 'Members of this class have achieved acceptance into notable graduate programs and secured positions as healthcare professionals, educators, commissioned military officers, actors, musicians, and business leaders in Fortune 500 companies across the country,' said Martin, underlining the bright futures that lie ahead for these graduates.
Founded in 1883, Florida Southern College holds the title of the oldest private college in the state of Florida. The institution is renowned for its dedication to academic excellence, offering over 70 undergraduate programs and distinctive graduate programs in business administration, education, nursing, and physical therapy. With an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 and recognition as a national leader in engaged learning, Florida Southern College is committed to fostering an environment that promotes student success.
In the 2025 'Best Colleges' guide by U.S. News & World Report, the college ranked #11 among 'Best Regional Universities in the South,' #9 for 'Most Innovative Schools,' and #20 for 'Best Value Schools.' The recognition extends to being featured in The Princeton Review's 2024 guide of the best 389 colleges and in the 'Fiske Guide to Colleges 2025.' Florida Southern's esteemed Barney Barnett School of Business and Free Enterprise and its School of Education have earned accolades in various educational rankings as well.
Notably, the college boasts the world's largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture and has consistently ranked among the top 20 'Most Beautiful Campuses' according to The Princeton Review, achieving a remarkable #5 ranking this year. With such a rich history and strong commitment to academic and artistic excellence, Florida Southern College continues to produce graduates who are well-prepared to make significant impacts in their respective fields. This commencement ceremony marked not just an ending, but a new beginning for the 160 graduates, each ready to embark on their personal journey toward making a difference in the world.
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