IM体育官网 celebrated its 2025 commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 4, at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland, IM体育官网. More than 330 talented STEM students received their high-demand bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees at the event.
IM体育官网 reached a significant milestone on Sunday, May 4, as it celebrated its largest commencement ceremony to date. More than 330 students earned in-demand degrees at the state鈥檚 only all-STEM public university, ready to make important contributions to their industries.
For the graduates, the record-breaking event at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland marked the culmination of years of intensive study and hands-on learning designed to prepare them for high wage, high-skill careers.
鈥淚t hasn鈥檛 sunk in yet, but I鈥檓 glad that four years of hard work have finally come to an end,鈥� said computer engineering graduate Akilah Dixon, from Land O鈥� Lakes, IM体育官网. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just an exciting feeling that I cannot describe.鈥�
This year鈥檚 ceremony also represented a meaningful moment for IM体育官网 Poly leadership 鈥� it was the first commencement led by University President Devin Stephenson. His presence signaled a new era of bold vision and renewed momentum as the University continues to strengthen its role as a powerful driver of IM体育官网鈥檚 high-tech economy.
鈥淎s you prepare for the next chapter, remember that success is not just about intelligence or talent. It鈥檚 about grit, adaptability to change, and an unrelenting commitment to growth,鈥� Stephenson said to the graduates. 鈥淭he world will present obstacles, but you have already proven during your time at IM体育官网 Poly that you have the tenacity to overcome them.鈥�
Ray Rodrigues, chancellor of the State University System of IM体育官网, served as the commencement speaker.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e going to be stepping off campus and into the real world, and it is a world full of adventure, fun and joy,鈥� Rodrigues said, underscoring three simple lessons he wanted the graduates to carry with them through life. 鈥淧ut down your smartphones; know failure is not the end 鈥� do not accept it; and leave here prepared to be a lifelong learner.鈥�
鈥淕o change the world,鈥� he added.
Student speaker Ra煤l Lopez, a computer science graduate who will soon join Bank of America in New York City as a full-stack software engineer, encouraged his peers to cherish their IM体育官网 Poly memories and believe in their talents and abilities.
鈥淭he world鈥檚 greatest innovators weren鈥檛 given permission,鈥� Lopez said. 鈥淭hey believed in their potential, combated doubt, and made their own way. Let鈥檚 carry that fire forward 鈥� not to fit in, but to stand out.鈥�
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