Broward College Virtual Commencement Celebrates and Inspires December 2020 Graduates

The ceremony was streamed on Saturday, December 19

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (December 21, 2020) -- Thousands of students and their families joined Broward College’s virtual commencement on Saturday, December 19 at 1 p.m. to celebrate the achievements and persistence of over 5,000 graduates. The ceremony featured remarks from President Gregory Adam Haile, J.D., Broward College Trustee Zachariah ‘Reggie’ Zachariah, and Thasunda Brown Duckett, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking.

Broward College was thrilled to have such a widely recognized leader as this semester’s Commencement speaker. Duckett gave an inspiring speech about leadership and her personal journey. She emphasized the importance of embracing your authentic self, recognizing community, and acting with empathy and compassion. She said, “Find your purpose. Live with intentionality. Because when you do, you can take on the world.”

Her energizing address concluded with four key lessons to lifelong success. First, shoot for the moon because even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. This was a lesson her father taught her, and it gave her permission to dream big. Second, invest in your financial health. Start small, start now, and dream big. Third, build a network of mentors because mentorship is all around you. Finally, embrace your authenticity. Your voice is required, and it is necessary.

President Haile expressed a special thank you to the students, families, faculty, and staff for their dedication to learning throughout this challenging year. He also highlighted the importance of students sharing their stories to inspire others who wonder if they could ever succeed in college.

“We know that among our more than 5,000 candidates eligible for this commencement, there is an equal number of extraordinary stories of how you made it to this point of accomplishment,” said President Haile. “Today, you are all heroes. In the last nine months, each of you has found intractable strength as a student and rose to the challenge.”

The ceremony continued with the recognition of degree candidates, including 3,913 Associate of Arts graduates, seven Associate of Applied Science graduates, 833 Associate of Science graduates, 132 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates, and 328 Bachelor of Applied Science graduates.

The full commencement ceremony can be viewed here.

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