(Bradenton, Fla., May 5, 2023) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) celebrated its Spring 2023 graduation with a pair of commencement ceremonies on Friday at the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center. The college awarded more than 700 degrees and certificates, including 440 associate in arts degrees, 177 associate in science degrees, 85 bachelor’s degrees and 20 workforce certificates. The College hosted two formal ceremonies and the Grad Walk, an informal graduation event held Friday morning in the Studio for the Performing Arts Recital Hall.

The Outstanding Graduate Award was presented to Dylan Delaney Thull, who graduated with her associate in arts degree and a 4.0 GPA. Thull is a dual enrollment graduate from State College of Florida Collegiate School (SCFCS) Venice who plans to continue her education and earn a bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida. Her goal is to pursue a career in data analytics and management. She already manages her own business, Sugar Sparrows LLC, a soap and body products company, and participated in numerous on-campus extracurriculars, such as student government and Future Business Leaders of America. 

Chris Wellman, associate vice president of facilities management, served as mace bearer for the ceremonies. Rodger Tornai, an instructor in language and literature, received the Outstanding Faculty Award. Additional participants included Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, president; Dr. Todd G. Fritch, executive vice president and provost; Outstanding Graduate Award finalists Noah Cronin and Blake McFarlane; and Chaplain Frank Brunner from SCF’s Campus Ministry.

Faculty readers, who announced each graduate, included Nicolette M. Mason, assistant professor, speech; Joshua Schulte, associate professor, biology; Gladys S. Green, associate professor, psychology; and Robin T. Rogers, associate professor, language and literature.

The SCF Chamber Choir, under the direction of Melodie C. Dickerson, performed the National Anthem at the beginning of each ceremony.

For more information about SCF, visit SCF.edu.

Photo caption: Outstanding Graduate Award recipient Dylan Delaney Thull and SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld.

Photo credit: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Photo caption: Chris Wellman, associate vice president of facilities management, opens the ceremony while serving as mace bearer.

Photo credit: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota

Photo caption: Dr. Todd G. Fritch (at podium), executive vice president and provost, presents the graduates during Friday’s commencement ceremony.

Photo credit: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota