Kissimmee, FL – On Saturday, May 3, more than 1,000 Valencia students will receive their associate degrees as Valencia College celebrates its 45th spring commencement at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.
This year’s commencement address will be given by 31-year-old Angel Sanchez, who was named the 2013-2014 Distinguished Graduate by the Valencia Alumni Association.
Sanchez, who came to Valencia to turn his life around after serving 12 years in prison, is a member of the Seneff Honors College and will graduate with a 4.0 grade point average. He has been awarded a prestigious $30,000-a-year scholarship from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to continue his education.
Although an expected 1,000 students are participating in commencement ceremonies, 7,893 students were awarded degrees within the past year. Valencia holds one commencement ceremony each year.
In addition to associate degrees, nine graduates will receive their bachelor’s degrees at the May 3 ceremony. Valencia College began offering bachelor’s degrees in 2011 and currently offers bachelor’s degrees in three programs: electrical and computer engineering technology; radiologic and imaging sciences; and cardiopulmonary sciences.
Valencia’s commencement exercises will take place at 10 a.m. at Silver Spurs Arena, Osceola Heritage Park, on U.S. Hwy. 192 in Kissimmee.
Video of the ceremony will be available by May 12 at youtube.com/valenciacollege.