BCC commencement ceremony held at BankAtlantic Center

                              Joy! BCC students are happy to become alumni.

A sea of blue satin flowed through the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise on May 6th as 700 Broward Community College graduates in azure caps and gowns participated in a moving commencement ceremony. A total of 2,190 were eligible to graduate, earning degrees of Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Applied Science and certificates in various areas of study.

“We’re very proud of you,” BCC President J. David Armstrong told all of the students before the program began, stopping to talk to them while they waited to enter the arena. Accompanied by Sean Guerin, member of BCC’s District Board of Trustees, Armstrong chatted and offered congratulations. “You’ve all worked hard. Celebrate and have a good time,” he said.

After a performance by the Seahawk Singers and the Broward Symphony Chamber Orchestra, an invocation was delivered by Rev. Horace D. Ward of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Family. There was a posting of the colors by the BCC Honor Guard and a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by the orchestra. A welcome was extended by Trustee Guerin, who also introduced the platform guests, including Donna Henderson, vice president of academic affairs. Henderson made presentations to the professors of the year, Allen Appelbaum, Jodie Fry, Robert Fusco, Jeannette Madea and Claudia Sahagun.

A BCC alumna, Natalie E. Bobb, served as the commencement speaker.

When the graduates filed across the stage as their names were called, to shake hands with the president and receive their diplomas, several exuberant men and women virtually danced across the stage, raising their arms in triumph.

Armstrong singled out several graduates for special recognition, including Kimmarie Carr, a BCC employee, and her son Craig Carr, who walked the stage together, and BCC employee Dumitra Negoita. Also acknowledged was Shazia Akhtar, a former physician in Pakistan who completed a two-year program at BCC in sonography.

Thomas J. Caffrey stood out among his peers because of the Native American headdress and necklaces he wore over his cap and gown. “I’m the first of my nation – the Abenaki -- to graduate,” he said. A criminal justice major, Caffrey grew up on the reservation in Vermont and chose to attend BCC because of its excellent program in his area of interest, he said.

Throughout the ceremony, the audience of friends and family erupted in applause, cheers and shouts of joy.

BCC President J. David Armstrong, Jr. (left) with Professors of the Year Claudia Sahagun, Allen Applebaum, Jeannette Madea, Robert Fusco and Jodie Fry.	Jacquiline Betancur with Kevin Blackmon, whose sash displays insignia of the various clubs in which he is a member.
Jim Lansing, vice president of BCC’s Faculty Senate, leads the processional, followed by Pres. Armstrong and faculty members.	Eda Aydin watches her classmates walk the stage and receive their diplomas.
Mommy’s graduating and dad brought their four daughters to the ceremony.	Pres. Armstrong, left, Rev. Horace D. Ward, who delivered the invocation and Sean Guerin, member of BCC’s District Board of Trustees.
Jacquelyne Taoune wears a lei made by her mother, a native of Tonga.	Thomas J. Caffrey, a member of the Abenaki Nation, wears a traditional headdress atop his cap and tribal necklaces adorning his gown.