Nearly 2,000 students crossed the stage on May 6 to become Broward College’s newest graduates.

The spring 2025 commencement ceremony took place at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. Dominic Calabro, president and CEO of the nonprofit government watchdog Florida TaxWatch, delivered the keynote address. Serving as commencement speaker marked a homecoming for Calabro, who graduated in 1976 from what was then called Broward Community College.

“As I look out at all of you, I cannot help but reflect on how different your world is from the one I entered when I received my diploma,” Calabro said during the speech. “The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.”

Calabro encouraged the graduates of the Class of 2025 to remain lifelong learners, to remember their Broward roots, and to embrace change by adapting to a world that will be driven by technological developments like AI.

The ceremony was also notable as the first commencement ceremony for Broward College’s new president and CEO, Torey Alston.

“We know that Broward College is a place where students thrive, grow and prepare to make a lasting impact on the world,” Alston said during the ceremony. “The achievements and successes that got you here today have contributed to the momentum that is making Broward College the number one destination for academic excellence.”

Alston highlighted the fact that the Class of 2025 included 20 military veterans and 11 College employees who earned degrees. He also drew attention to eight College Academy students who were named QuestBridge Scholars and earned full four-year scholarships to institutions like Boston University, Rice University and MIT.

The Class of 2025 also included:

• More than 1,000 students who earned an Associate of Arts degree.
• Nearly 500 students who earned an Associate of Science degree.
• Nearly 200 students who earned a bachelor's degree.
• 243 graduates from The College Academy at Broward College.

Alston reminded the Class of 2025 that all the hard work needed to get to this point was worth it.

“Each of you put in the late nights, the early mornings and the countless hours of hard work to get to this moment. Some of you balanced school with jobs, family responsibilities and personal challenges,” Alston said. “That resilience will carry you forward, no matter where your journey takes you next.”

See the video below for some highlights from the ceremony.

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