IRSC Graduates Persevere with True Pioneer Spirit
IRSC Graduates Persevere with True Pioneer Spirit
April 30, 2020 Suzanne Seldes
Indian River State College Graduates More than 3,500
Graduates Celebrate Online Now,
Future Commencement Ceremony Planned
More than 3,500 Indian River State College (IRSC) students have earned their degrees this 2019-20 academic year. Despite unforeseen challenges—from hurricane Dorian in the fall to the present Coronavirus pandemic—IRSC students persevered in true Pioneer spirit.
This year marks the eighth consecutive academic cycle that the IRSC graduating class has exceeded 3,000. A record 830 students—more than one of five—earned Baccalaureate degrees; 2,108 students earned Associate in Arts degrees; and 570 students received Associate in Science or Associate in Applied Science degrees. Diplomas will be mailed to all graduates in June.
“Like no class before them, this special Class of 2020 has demonstrated resiliency in overcoming challenges, and a single-minded ambition to complete their degree,” says IRSC President, Dr, Edwin Massey. “Their tenacity and persistence distinguishes them as Pioneers, and we will undoubtedly celebrate their achievements together, as an IRSC family, when it is safer to do so.”
Indian River State College plans to hold a special ceremony, or expand its December 2020 Commencement ceremony to include its spring 2020 graduates. Results of a survey fielded in April revealed that the majority of graduates prefer to walk in a live ceremony when health and safety guidelines allow, sharing their graduation moments with fellow students, family and friends. Details will be shared as arrangements are finalized.
Soon, a special section honoring this year’s graduates will be hosted on the College website at http://www.irsc.edu/class-of-2020. This virtual celebration of the Class of 2020 will list all of IRSC’s spring graduates; offer words of congratulations and support from fellow students, faculty and staff; feature a video message from President Massey; and house a graduate photo gallery. Those interested in a sharing a message to this year’s graduating class may do so at https://irsc.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/405614.
More than 70,000 students have graduated from IRSC over the past six decades, building a dynamic workforce pipeline and extending economic opportunity to students and their families. IRSC graduates are employed in many of the areas fastest-growing and innovative industries, and are on the frontlines serving our community as teachers, healthcare professionals and other first responders. See a complete listing of all Spring 2020 graduates at https://www.irsc.edu/news/articles/2020-spring-graduate-list-043020.html. Read some of their incredible stories at https://www.irsc.edu/news/articles/spring-2020-graduate-stories-050820.html
About Indian River State College
Indian River State College is the 2019 recipient of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges. The College’s five campuses provide unparalleled educational environments for those residing in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. IRSC serves nearly 30,000 students annually and offers more than 100 programs leading to Bachelor’s degrees, Associate degrees, technical certificates and applied technology diplomas. The College is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2020. For more information, visit the IRSC at 60 page on www.irsc.edu.
