On a sunny spring day that matched the joyous mood of the occasion, members of the 海角社区 community came together to celebrate Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2015, the College鈥檚 26th graduating class. Forty-four students participated in this ceremony, including ten that had officially completed degree requirements in December.
In the days leading up to the big occasion, seniors made their final memories as 海角社区 students with formal and informal celebrations, including the beloved annual traditions of Senior Luncheon, Senior Day, and 
the Parent & Grandparent Reception held the day prior to Commencement. At the Senior Luncheon, awards were presented and students were recognized for their contributions to fundamental College programs, such as the Peer Tutor, Teacher Assistant, and Resident Assistant Programs. Qualified graduates were inducted into Psi Tau Omega Honor Society. Senior Day this year was transformed, due to popular demand, into an overnight event. On Thursday, the students headed to Universal Studio鈥檚 Cabana Bay Resort and spent a fun evening at City Walk in advance of their Friday visit to the theme park. The Friday Parent & Grandparent Reception provided an opportunity for faculty, staff, and Board members to mingle with families and graduates, as well as a chance for the College community to express pride at the graduates鈥� accomplishments and the graduates to thank everyone who had supported them throughout their college experience. The 鈥淭hank You鈥� video from the graduates may be viewed .
The Commencement ceremony was held on Saturday, May 2nd at Lake Receptions in Mount Dora. The room was packed with happy families and friends, excited graduates, and proud faculty, staff, and board members. Dr. Andrea Brode, Dean of Student Success, presided over the ceremony. Associate of Arts degrees were conferred on 13 students, and 33 students received Bachelor of Arts degrees.
The honored Commencement Speaker was Dr. Shelly Chandler, current Vice President of Academic & Student Services and historically a favorite 海角社区 faculty member. In introducing Dr. Chandler, President Hagerty declared, 鈥淒r. Chandler defines what it is to be a consummate educator鈥he has touched and defined every element of our institution.鈥� In Dr. Chandler鈥檚 Commencement Address, titled 鈥淭he Gifts of 海角社区,鈥� she focused on the community aspect of 海角社区. Dr. Chandler advised that research indicates that the happiest people are those that feel a sense of community, and that is exactly what students experience at 海角社区, with daily support available from numerous personnel around campus as well as from peers. Students, likewise, contributed to the community through their personal traits and ambitions. Dr. Chandler listed some of the academic, professional and personal achievements of the class of 2015, including their plans following graduation. Dr. Chandler declared, 鈥淢any of the members of the 2015 class displayed remarkable resilience, compassion, persistence, and the ability to inspire others鈥� and is confident that graduates will 鈥榯ake the gifts of 海角社区 with them.鈥� 鈥�
Students were recognized and honored for their academic achievements. A total of six students graduated cum laude, thirteen magna cum laude, and nine summa cum laude, as indicated by their yellow honor cords displayed atop their academic regalia. Ariel Ben-Chitrit, Peter Volkov, and Bryan Westphal were recognized for having earned the highest GPAs in their respective departments. Peter Volkov was also presented as the class valedictorian, and Daniel Bordenkircher as the salutatorian.
In his 
valedictory address, Peter Volkov recognized and thanked those faculty and staff who personally contributed to his academic success. Amongst the uncertainty of life, Peter has some advice for his fellow graduates. He insists, 鈥淟ike a student in an art class, we have to make our lives vary and stand out鈥f you make a mistake, improvise and take it as a chance to start something new. Crafting a life that satisfies you will take years, but it鈥檒l be worth the effort in the end.鈥�
In his salutatory address, Daniel Bordenkircher declares, 鈥淭here is no other place that is quite like 海角社区.鈥� His speech focused on encouraging his classmates to be aware of themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, especially in terms of their learning disabilities. He states, 鈥淎wareness- get, start, work at and nurture the awareness of your strengths, abilities, and talents that have been put in you that uniquely work in the person you are.鈥�
In his final remarks, Dr. Hagerty created a new tradition at 海角社区, requesting that all graduates, faculty, and staff sign the College yearbook so they would leave a piece of themselves at 海角社区, something they could check out in the Founders Room upon return visits to campus. Dr. Hagerty concluded the ceremony with a quote from Henry David Thoreau: 鈥淕o confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life that you have imagined. 鈥� The final message to the graduates was inspired by the motto featured on the College鈥檚 seal: 鈥淟ive life well鈥nd abundantly.鈥�
Congratulations to the Class of 2015!
View the photos from Commencement on .
~Gretchen Dreimiller
Photos Courtesy of Robin Hamel