Valencia Stories



Madelyn Young: 1973 Valencia Graduate Recalls College’s Early Days

Madelyn Young had a four-year, full academic scholarship to Florida State University in 1971 when she graduated from Jones High [...]


Education Transforms Life of ‘Non-Traditional’ Student

We recently learned of Angela Murphy’s Valencia story at the Seneff Honors College Evening of Distinction. In 2012 – in [...]

Rula Khalaf

Valencia’s 2017 Distinguished Graduate Finds New World of Opportunity at East Campus

“Coming to America, I was afraid,” says Rula Khalaf strolling towards the photo shoot for the commencement program. Khalaf is [...]


Distinguished Graduate to Highlight Educational Freedom at 2017 Commencement

Orlando, FL – On Sunday, May 7, more than 1,600 Valencia students will walk the stage, receiving their associate degrees [...]


The Pursuit of ‘Equal Dignity:’ Rich Crotty Reflects on a Career Ignited at Valencia College

The first one in his family to step foot on a college campus, Rich Crotty has never been one to [...]


Liefke Meyers and the Power of Persistence

Today, Valencia Grad Liefke Meyers is the Vice President of Investor Relations for Orlando’s Economic Partnership, but fifteen years ago, [...]


The Story of Valencia College: 50 Years of Better Tomorrows

Our history, from embattled beginnings to national higher education acclaim, will give you an idea of the lasting impact we’ve [...]


From Alaska to Antarctica, One Valencia Grad Studies Sea Life

Julie Avery has a life that many science geeks would envy. She’s a research assistant professor with joint appointments at [...]


Photo-narrative: How a Student’s Epic Adventure Began at Valencia College

The pursuits of ecology, photography and travel led Leif Boman down an amazing road that began at Valencia. See his story [...]


One Valencia Story: The Life-Changing Power of Positive Professors

When Melodie Cros came to Valencia at age 21, she had one goal in mind — to dive into a [...]