The College of the Florida Keys held its sixty-first Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2020 in an outdoor ceremony beside the Gulf of Mexico on the Key West Campus on Friday, December 11. Graduates donned face masks with their caps and gowns to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Some of the graduates participating in the ceremony completed their studies earlier this year but were not able to formally celebrate their achievement as the College’s spring graduation exercises were cancelled. The College awarded more than 200 bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates in 2020. 

Former state representative Holly Raschein delivered the Keynote Address to the class. Recognizing her substantial contributions to the Keys and the College, CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra presented Raschein with an honorary bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management. 

Graduate Carrie Groomes was selected by the class to give the Student Address. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management this year, Groomes also retired this year from CFK after a 20-year career. 

The full ceremony can be viewed on the College’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys. 

Earlier in the day, the College held a virtual nursing ceremony for 11 students who completed their Associate of Science in Nursing this fall semester. Upon passing the national NCLEX-RN licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse.  

CFK’s spring semester begins January 8. The College will be closed for the holidays December 17 through January 3. Information about academic programs, steps to become a student, and ways to pay for college can be viewed at www.cfk.edu.