FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The next chapter in Broward College’s exciting story has begun. This week, the College celebrated both its 66-year history and took a step forward with the investiture of President Torey Alston on Sept. 5.

The ceremony took place in Bailey Hall at the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus in Davie, with watch parties on each campus and a YouTube livestream. Investiture ceremonies have a long tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, and Broward College honored that tradition with a processional featuring participants in full academic regalia.

A variety of elected officials and education representatives served as guest speakers. Elected officials included U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine. Moskowitz, who served on the county commission with Alston in 2022, marked the occasion with the gift of a flag that was flown at the U.S. Capitol. Udine announced that the county commission issued a proclamation declaring Sept. 5 as “Torey Alston Appreciation Day.”

Guest speakers from the education sphere included Florida Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas, Miami Dade College President Madeline Pumariega, Florida A&M University President Marva Johnson and Broward Schools Superintendent Howard Hepburn.

Alexis Yarbrough, chair of the Broward College District Board of Trustees, led the formal investiture and presentation of the presidential medallion. The medallion, a mark of the president's office, is worn at academic events like commencement.

“Today is not just about me—it’s about Broward College, our students, our community and our bright future,” Alston said at the opening of his speech.

Alston noted that Broward College is thriving with enrollment rising, but he also laid out a vision to position the College as the number one destination for academic excellence. That vision includes creating an academic and operational institutional scorecard that will be used to develop a new strategic plan. The plan also envisions increasing the number of Broward County public and charter school graduates who attend the College from one-third to more than 40% over five years. Alston also intends to make Broward College the first choice for high school seniors and adult learners. All these efforts will contribute to a goal of being recognized as a top 10 state college.

Alston also emphasized how the College impacts the lives of students.

“Broward College is not just another institution,” he said. “We are a launching pad. We are a bridge. We are a promise.”

The ceremony was followed by an outdoor reception in a large air-conditioned tent on the quad.

-BC-