FSCJ Celebrates Graduates at 2025 Commencement Ceremony

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) celebrated the achievements of thousands of proud graduates during the 58th annual Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. 

Surrounded by an audience of their families and friends, 1,605 graduates accepted their diplomas from FSCJ President John Avendano, Ph.D. and the College’s District Board of Trustees.

For the 2024-25 academic year, more than 5,400 degrees and certificates were awarded to FSCJ graduates and candidates, with some students earning more than one. Of these, 883 were bachelor’s degrees, 1,875 were associate in arts degrees and 846 were associate in science degrees. Additionally, 190 high school students completed the dual enrollment program and 80 graduates accepted their high school diploma or Florida Department of Education equivalency diploma.

In Dr. Avendano’s graduation address, he congratulated the graduates on their achievements, thanked them for entrusting FSCJ with their education and envisioned their future and the impact they will have.

“When I look across this room of graduates, I see more than caps, gowns and smiling faces. I see our community’s future,” said Dr. Avendano.

FSCJ Foundation Board of Directors Member and Alum Sasha Poulos shared her own well wishes for the graduates and offered her encouragement for their next steps.

Graduating with the Associate in Arts degree, Student-Athlete Zahir Miller spoke about her personal journey, conveying the idea that what is built from obstacles becomes a legacy.

Graduates may find their formal photos for purchase at gradimages.com. Additional candid photos and videos of the day are available on FSCJ’s Flickr page and social media pages, @FSCJOfficial.