Commencement Celebrated in Return to Tropicana Field

St. Petersburg College’s return to Tropicana Field for its 149th Commencement marked a homecoming for students, families and faculty celebrating resilience, achievement, and nearly a century of community impact.

Across two ceremonies, graduates crossed the stage as SPC recognized academic success and perseverance following hurricane-related disruptions that had altered the longtime commencement venue since fall 2024.

“Today, we congratulate our students and their families, who have persevered to reach graduation,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “You inspire us with your determination, and we celebrate your accomplishments.”

Since opening in 1927, SPC has graduated more than 161,336 students and awarded more than 207,026 credentials. * Williams praised graduates for turning adversity into growth and stepping into careers across education, healthcare, business, public service, and the military.

Business, leadership and entrepreneurship

Shanita Whiting

Shanita Whiting, who earned a Business Entrepreneurship Certificate, said SPC’s flexibility allowed her to balance coursework with life as a single mother of two and owner of a commercial cleaning business.

“I chose SPC because it gave me the flexibility to take courses online,” she said. Whiting added that the program strengthened her skills in marketing, social media and business development while connecting her with practical entrepreneurial insight.

Stephen Bordelon earned his Associate in Arts degree and plans to continue at SPC toward a bachelor’s in business management to advance into leadership. He said returning to school was inspired by his wife’s graduation and supported by SPC’s accessibility as his neighborhood college.

“The experience has been amazing to get to this moment,” he said. “After watching my wife complete her degree, we decided I was going to go back as well.”

Balancing a full-time job in banking and business sales, family responsibilities and coursework, Bordelon said the process required discipline and commitment.

“I have a full-time job, full-time family and full-time school,” he said. “It was a lot of early mornings and late nights.”

On graduation day, he described both excitement and anticipation.

“Today is the day and I am very excited; a little anxious about going on the stage, but the experience is top-notch,” he said.

Bordelon said his degree has already strengthened his career outlook. “If you’re thinking about getting your degree, I believe that you should,” he said. “The enrichment in your career and education pays huge dividends at work.”

A path to purpose

Mariah Hendrix graduated with her Associate in Science in Dental Hygiene while serving in the United States Air Force. She said SPC’s inclusive environment helped her balance military and academic life.

“We have a lot of events that make SPC inclusive to everyone,” said Hendrix. “I feel like I’m very prepared to go out and be a dental hygienist.”

Celebrating achievement and distinction

The ceremony also recognized students whose leadership and academic excellence stood out among the graduating class.

During the morning ceremony, Noah Van Dauber received the 2026 Apollo Award, one of SPC’s highest student honors recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service. Van Dauber, who earned his Associate in Arts degree with an emphasis in Environmental Studies, helped design a microgravity experiment that became a top-three finalist in the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program. He is scheduled to present the research at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and will continue his studies at the University of Alaska.

In the afternoon ceremony, SPC honored Shae Sikalos with the 2026 Alumni Achievement Award. Sikalos was among the first graduates of SPC’s new Bachelor of Science in Secondary English Education, earning her degree while balancing life as a working mother of three and completing a full-time teaching internship.

Her passion for literacy and student empowerment extends beyond the classroom, culminating this year in the publication of her debut novel. Sikalos plans to continue her journey in education by pursuing a master’s degree.

As she was recognized on stage, presenters noted her outstanding achievement and promise as an educator, presenting her with a check and plaque in honor of her selection as this year’s Alumni Achievement Award recipient.

*Reflects data through Fall 2024.