FORT MYERS — Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will celebrate more than 3,000 graduates during its Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies on Friday, May 1, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

“Today is not only a celebration of your transition from one chapter of your lives to the next; it is also the culmination of your hard work and investment in yourselves,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, president of Florida SouthWestern State College. “This is your moment to put your talents to work in service of something bigger—whether that’s your community, your state, your country, or the world. I am confident FSW has given you the foundation you need for the journey ahead and I speak for everyone at the college as we wish you the very best.”

Commencement will be split into three ceremonies scheduled as follows:

• 9 a.m. - School of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences and School of Business and Technology
• 12:30 p.m. - School of Allied Health, School of Nursing and School of Pure and Applied Sciences
• 4 p.m. - School of Education and dual-enrolled graduates

Graduates should pick up guest tickets in advance of the ceremony, and anyone without a guest ticket will not be permitted inside the arena. A limited number of unclaimed tickets may be available at the door, but are not guaranteed.

The Suncoast Credit Union Arena has enhanced security measures for all arena events including walk-through metal detectors and bag restrictions. These security measures will be in place during FSW’s commencement ceremonies.

Outside flowers, balloons, air horns and noisemakers of any kind are prohibited inside the arena. Guests are prohibited from bringing bags into the arena except as specified below. This includes backpacks, purses, briefcases, duffle bags or coolers.

Guests who choose to bring a bag will be able to bring in the following:

• Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12”.
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar).
• Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, can be taken into the arena with one of the clear plastic bags. Small bags must not exceed 4.5” x 6.5”.
• An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags (with child) after proper inspection.

Guests will be asked to return non-approved bags or other prohibited items to their vehicle prior to arena entry. There is no check-in location for prohibited bags or items. For a full list of prohibited items, visit https://www.fsw.edu/arena/plan/policies.