SPC Celebrates Perseverance, Purpose and Possibility at December Commencement

St. Petersburg College celebrated the achievements of 1,177 graduates during its 148th commencement ceremony at The BayCare Sound in Clearwater, honoring students whose determination, resilience and ambition continue to define SPC’s legacy of opportunity and impact.

From first-time college graduates and working adults to veterans and returning learners, SPC’s graduates represent a powerful cross-section of the communities the College serves. Together, they embody SPC’s mission to empower individuals and strengthen communities through accessible, high-quality education.

“Today, we celebrate your accomplishments and the extraordinary journeys that brought you here,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “You faced challenges that demanded strength, resilience and unity and you rose above them. Your success reflects courage, purpose and a shared commitment to building better futures for yourselves and better communities for all.”

Among this year’s graduates, 373 were the first in their families to earn a college degree. Many graduates are now taking the next steps toward career advancement, entrepreneurship and continued education: 415 plan to pursue further education, 160 are starting new jobs, 57 are launching or growing businesses and five will enter military service.

Graduate Spotlight: Learning Without Limits

Yaritza Jimenez-Cedres

One powerful moment from commencement captured the heart of SPC’s commitment to accessibility and student success. Yaritza Jimenez-Cedres, a graduate of SPC’s Medical Coding and Revenue Management Certificate program, celebrated her achievement alongside faculty, interpreters and accessibility professionals who supported her journey.

A deaf student and experienced health care professional, Jimenez-Cedres came to SPC after earning degrees in radiologic technology and CT scan and MRI in Puerto Rico. When she relocated to Florida, she sought a new career pathway that would allow her to apply her clinical expertise differently.

“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,” said Jimenez-Cedres.

She credits SPC’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive learning for helping her transition into medical coding, where she now supports accurate documentation, compliance and patient care within health care 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.

For many faculty and staff, moments like Jimenez-Cedres’ graduation capture the purpose behind the College’s work.

“Working with Yaritza captures why I have been at SPC for 21 years and why I love the work we do,” said Stefanie C. Silvers, SPC’s ADA/504 Officer. “Our commitment to accessibility ensures that students of all abilities can pursue their education, improve their lives and celebrate accomplishments like this one.”

Graduate Spotlight: Finding Direction Through Creativity and Service

Chris Tucker

Chris Tucker, a U.S. Army veteran and digital photography graduate, walked the stage with a renewed sense of purpose and direction after completing SPC’s Arts, Humanities and Design program with support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program.

“Graduating from SPC means a sense of accomplishment and a new direction,” Tucker said. “I’m proud of myself and grateful for the support from SPC, the Veterans Services department and the VA.”

Tucker is now building his business, Chris Tucker Media, combining real estate photography with drone aerial imaging. He earned his drone license with support from the Wounded Warrior Project and plans to expand his services while continuing to support fellow veterans.

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

Graduate Spotlight: Building Careers Close to Home

For Lindsay Bates, graduating with an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree represents both gratitude and opportunity. After earning her Associate in Arts (A.A.) from SPC, she returned to complete her A.S. degree and will now begin a new role working in a hospital CAT scan department.

“SPC was the best fit for me,” Bates said. “I’d just say thank you for all the opportunities. It’s been a great experience.”

Similarly, Javier Esparza, an A.A. graduate, chose SPC because it was close to home and aligned with his goals. He plans to continue at SPC and pursue entry into the radiology program.

“I just want to thank SPC for the time,” Esparza said. “I’m excited for what’s next.”

A Legacy of Opportunity and Impact

SPC offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs, developed in partnership with industry leaders to prepare students for real-world careers. As Florida’s first two-year institution and the first to offer bachelor’s degrees, SPC continues to lead in workforce education and academic innovation.

“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.”

As graduates move forward into new careers, continued education and service, SPC remains committed to providing pathways that open doors, remove barriers and empower students to achieve without limits.