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decorative image of Patricia-White_0034-scaled , PSC graduates 380 students in December

Patricia and Keith White

Pensacola State College’s Fall Commencement took place at the Pensacola Bay Center on Sunday, Dec. 14, honoring 380 degree and program completers. The commencement address was given by attorney Douglas Bates of Clark Partington Attorneys at Law, a member of the PSC Foundation Board of Governors and a former Pirates Baseball standout and PSC Athletics Hall of Fame inductee.

 

Bates offered the graduates words of encouragement and promise. “The world’s a better place because you’re in it,” he said. “You have in you something that is going to change the lives of others…. Even the most ordinary lives can change the world.”

 

Patricia White, a non-traditional A.A. graduate at 67 years of age, said that she “just wanted to finish something” and that she was able to earn her associate degree with the help of TRIO Student Support Services assisting her with financial aid, the Mathematics Department helping her overcome what she wasn’t able to do years ago, and encouragement from Keith White, her supportive husband of 45 years.

 

decorative image of Johnson-Sisters_0021-500-x-320 , PSC graduates 380 students in December

Sisters Sanai Johnson and Zamia Johnson

Sisters Sanai Johnson and Zamia Johnson also completed their A.A. degrees and are moving on to the University of West Florida to study biology and marketing, respectively.

 

Also among the graduates are mother and daughter Ana Marie Amante and Makayla Amante. Ana Marie has been accepted into the pharmacy program at Florida A&M, and Makahla will study psychology at UWF.

Students in green caps and gowns celebrating graduation at Pensacola State College.

Ana Marie Amante and Makayla Amante

 

Mike Cannon, associate professor of Applied Technology and Professional Services, served as grand marshal and was honored in that role upon his retirement from PSC after 33 years.