~Investiture Ceremony Held to officially welcome Mel Ponder as new NWFSC President~
More than 500 students participated in spring commencement ceremonies Friday, as Northwest Florida State College recognized graduates receiving certifications, associate and bachelor’s degrees.
“We honor and celebrate all our dedicated NWFSC graduates as they receive their credentials today,” said Northwest Florida State College President Mel Ponder. “Each of our graduates has a purpose, a passion and a call, and we are immensely proud of all our students for their dedication and unwavering persistence they have demonstrated in their college coursework.”
This is the first commencement for President Ponder, who began serving at NWFSC in January. The investiture of the new president was held during morning commencement ceremony. Board of Trustees chair Lori Kelley presented Mr. Ponder will his Presidential Medallion, symbolizing his commitment to the mission and values of Northwest Florida State College.
Commencement guest speaker Mark Glass, Commissioner of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and a graduate of Northwest Florida State College, encouraged graduates to stay true to their values as they begin the next phase of their lives. “Your reputation proceeds you. That trust is your currency. That’s what gets you to the next level, said Commissioner Glass. “Trust is not built by what you say, but how you live, and people perceive you. Take that with you throughout your lives.”
Northwest Florida State College also awarded a posthumous degree to Kadance Fredericksen, a dual-enrolled student from Baker High School who would have graduated Friday from NWFSC with an Associate of Arts degree. Miss Fredericksen died in a traffic accident in February. The Fredericksen family attended commencement to receive the degree in honor of Kadance’s memory.
You can watch both commencement ceremonies by clicking HERE.
