Indian River State College will proudly confer degrees and certificates to over 2,100 graduates...
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PORT ST. LUCIE — Indian River State College will proudly confer degrees and certificates to over 2,100 graduates, including more than 300 Promise Program completers, during six special commencement ceremonies. The celebrations will take place April 30 and May 1-2, 2025, at Westside Center (3361 S. Jenkins Rd, Fort Pierce, FL 34981). These ceremonies represent an important milestone for our graduates as they prepare to embark on their next chapter.
“The commencement ceremony is the moment when potential transforms into achievement,” said Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D. “Our graduates have demonstrated extraordinary determination on their academic journey and now stand ready to become the innovative workforce leaders our community needs. At Indian River State College, we are proud of their academic accomplishments and inspired by the bright futures they will create. I’m deeply grateful to the Indian River State College Foundation and Promise Program benefactors whose generosity has opened doors of opportunity for so many students. Together, we are fulfilling our mission of transforming lives through quality education, and these remarkable graduates embody the vision of excellence we strive for every day.”
Ceremony schedule
The celebrations begin with the Nursing Ceremony on Wednesday, April 30, at 5:00 p.m., featuring a commencement address by Dr. Rayna Letourneau, PhD, RN, Executive Director of the Florida Center for Nursing. The nursing graduates will participate in the traditional pinning ceremony, a time-honored nursing school ritual that welcomes new graduates into the profession.
Ceremonies continue on Thursday, May 1:
• Bachelor’s Degree ceremony at 8:00 a.m.
• First Associate and Certificate ceremony at 12:00 p.m.
• Second Associate and Certificate ceremony at 4:00 p.m.
Chris B. Williams, positive energy coach, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, best-selling co-author, and former ESPN analyst, will deliver the commencement address for the morning and noon ceremonies on May 1.
La Toya Young, Indian River alumna and Fire and Life Safety Investigator for the St. Lucie County Fire District, will address graduates at the 4:00 p.m. ceremony. LaToya was the first female African American to serve as a fire paramedic in St. Lucie County.
Sheriff Richard Del Toro of St. Lucie County, a proud alumnus of Indian River State College, will address Indian River graduates participating in the morning ceremony, and La Toya Young will return to inspire the noon ceremony.
Distinguished Student Representatives
This year’s flag bearers include Alina Esteban, Luis Ortiz Matos, Sara Anderson, Brittany Perez, Cameron Tristen Leggett, and Emerson Stoller, who will carry the Indian River State College Flag. Nicholas Anderson, Krissy Faulk, Beverly Thomas, Michael Morse, Angelina Burbank, and David Cividanes will represent Indian River State College Military and Veterans Services. Brett Williams will serve as Reader.
Academic Achievements
The Spring 2025 class includes graduates earning various degrees and certificates:
• Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Applied Science degrees
• Associate in Arts degrees
• Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees
• Technical (College Credit) Certificates
• Career and Technical Education Certificates
Many graduates are receiving academic honors, with those achieving a GPA of 3.85 to 4.0 graduating Summa Cum Laude (Highest Honors), 3.7 to 3.84 graduating Magna Cum Laude (High Honors), and 3.5 to 3.69 graduating Cum Laude (Honors).
Student Spotlights
As Indian River State College prepares to celebrate its Spring 2025 Commencement, the College proudly highlights the stories of four remarkable graduates whose resilience, passion, and drive reflect the heart of the IRSC community.
• Jesse Longoria, Jr. — Building a Better Future in Construction
At 28, Jesse Longoria, Jr. is set to graduate with a degree in Business Construction Technology. His academic path took twists and turns — from automotive technology to business administration — before hands-on work in painting, drywall, and concrete revealed his true calling in construction. Jesse credits Indian River State College instructor Michael Pelitera for motivating him through tough moments and emphasizes the importance of education for students from underprivileged backgrounds. “This degree opens up so many possibilities,” Jesse shared. As a father and entrepreneur, Jesse’s journey is a powerful example of perseverance and self-discovery.
• Juan Penagros — Powered by the Indian River State College Promise
Juan Penagros, an electrical engineering student and Promise Program participant, will earn his Associate of Arts degree this spring. Coming from a small town, Juan found a vibrant, welcoming campus culture at the River. He highlights the mentorship of Dr. Zheng, whose rigorous physics classes reshaped his way of thinking. “The Promise Program absolutely changes lives,” Juan said. “It let me focus on learning without the financial worry.” Looking ahead, Juan plans to transfer and pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, carrying forward the momentum built at Indian River State College.
• Matthieu Zamy — A Future in Medicine
Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in biology, Matthieu Zamy’s passion for healthcare was born from a family crisis, inspiring him to enter the medical field. With plans to take the MCAT and apply to medical school or an anesthesiologist assistant program, Matthieu reflects on his rewarding experience at the River and the faculty members who supported him, including Merle Litvak and Dr. Patchara Pongam. “Everything here was so worthwhile,” he said. “It’s given me a clear idea of what to expect in my future career.” Matthieu hopes to use his skills and empathy to positively impact families like his own.
