Nearly 400 students earned a degree or certificate from Lake-Sumter State College on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the 59th Commencement Ceremony.
“I am proud of this semester’s graduates whose achievements through hard work, perseverance and commitment to gaining knowledge will improve their lives, the lives of those they care for and our communities,” said Dr. Stan Sidor, LSSC president. “This December, each of you are joining the over 112,000 students who have graduated from a Florida College System institution this year with the skills and education necessary to be successful in today’s modern workforce.”
The ceremony’s commencement speaker was Brenda Skoczelas, LSSC physics instructor and Association of Florida Colleges Professor of the Year. She gave an inspiring speech about perseverance and endurance through difficult challenges.
Two students, Patricia Green and Josh Sussman, were selected as student speakers for the ceremony.
Green, of Clermont, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing at the University of Central Florida. Sussman, of Leesburg, graduated with an Associate in Arts degree and plans to pursue flight school training to achieve his dream of becoming a pilot.
During the ceremony, Emily Sonnenberg, of Tavares, was named the Fall 2018 President’s Award recipient. The LSSC President’s Award is one of the highest awards that a student can receive. This award honors a graduating student who has shown academic achievement, leadership and service to the college and/or community.
Sonnenberg will transfer to the University of Florida to study geology and astronomy and plans to pursue a career as a planetary geologist.
“Commencement is one of my favorite events of the semester,” said Dr. Claire Brady, vice president of enrollment and student affairs. “Students completing their degrees at LSSC and continuing to the next step in their education and careers. What an honor it is to share in this day, celebrating their accomplishments and encouraging them as they embark on what’s next.”
LSSC was founded in 1962 and offers high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. As a member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 6,000 students annually at three locations: Leesburg, South Lake (Clermont) and Sumterville.
LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Through a partnership with the University of Central Florida, students graduating with an Associate in Arts are guaranteed admission to UCF. Learn more www.lssc.edu.
