SUNRISE, Fla. - More than 2,500 graduates flipped the tassels on their caps and became the newest members of the Broward College alumni family on May 5.

The spring 2026 commencement ceremony took place in Sunrise at Amerant Bank Arena, home of the two-time Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers. Julie Price, a Broward College alum and President and CEO of the nonprofit organization Arc Broward, served as commencement speaker. Price’s connections to the College run deep—her parents met as students in the early 1960s when it was known as the Junior College of Broward County.

Price emphasized the power of education as she recalled her experiences at then-Broward Community College and later Florida State University.

"Education isn’t just about what you learn in a classroom and even where that classroom is,” Price said. “It’s about learning how to think, how to grow, and how to keep finding your way forward. And that’s exactly what Broward College gives you.”

Broward College President and CEO Torey Alston also addressed the Class of 2026.

"The achievements you celebrate today reflect your grit, your persistence, and your sacrifice,” Alston said. “You put in the late nights, the early mornings, and the countless hours of hard work to get to this moment. That resilience will carry you forward, no matter where your journey takes you next.”

Dr. Jamonica Rolle, Acting Provost and Senior Vice President, congratulated the graduates on their achievements.

“You and everyone celebrating with you today know that your journey to get here took discipline, determination, and hard work,” Rolle said. “It is this determination and dedication that makes us all so confident that you are fully prepared for your next chapter.”

At the end of the ceremony, the crowd erupted into cheers when President Alston prompted the new graduates to move their tassels to the left sides of their caps. With the house lights down, the audience lit up the arena with their phone flashlights as multiple confetti cannons fired.

Some highlights from the Class of 2026:

• The nearly 2,500 graduates broke down into 1,744 Associate of Arts degrees, 520 Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science degrees, and 190 bachelor’s degrees.
• Nearly 240 students completed the College Academy, and 190 completed dual enrollment.
• There were 24 veteran graduates.
• The youngest graduates were 16, while the oldest was 75.

See the video below for some highlights from the ceremony.

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