June 10, 2025

Nearly 5,000 Graduates Celebrate Achievements at HCC Commencement

News Summary

Hillsborough Community College recently celebrated its 56th annual Commencement Ceremony, honoring nearly 5,000 graduates across various academic programs. Keynote speaker John Couris emphasized the importance of their achievements. Notable graduates included a first-generation college student and the youngest and oldest graduates of the ceremony. The event showcased individual accomplishments and highlighted HCC’s commitment to educational excellence, as it continues to serve over 45,000 students annually across its campuses in the Tampa Bay area.

Tampa, Florida – Nearly 5,000 Graduates Celebrate Achievements at Hillsborough Community College’s 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony

Nearly 5,000 students were honored at the 56th annual Commencement Exercises of Hillsborough Community College (HCC) held at the Expo Hall of the Florida State Fairgrounds in May. The event recognized the achievements of graduates across various programs, adding another milestone to the educational journey of many individuals.

Keynote speaker John Couris, CEO of Tampa General Hospital, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of their accomplishments and encouraging their future academic pursuits. Celebrated for their hard work, graduates received a range of degrees, including Bachelor of Science in nursing, Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and various college credit certificates.

The ceremony highlighted significant individual achievements, such as those of Jozel Campbell, a first-generation college student who graduated with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science in dental hygiene. Campbell also served as the student speaker, sharing her unique perspective of overcoming challenges to achieve her goals.

Youngest and Oldest Graduates

Among the graduates, the youngest was 17-year-old Asher McMillan, who completed an Associate in Arts degree through a dual enrollment program while still in high school. In contrast, the oldest graduate, 73-year-old Sharon Lee, earned an Associate in Arts with a focus on music, demonstrating the diverse age range of HCC’s student body.

Collegiate Academy and Student Achievements

Additionally, 204 students from the Collegiate Academy program graduated, having completed 60 college credits at HCC while fulfilling their high school coursework. This marks the ninth cohort to graduate from the program, further illustrating HCC’s commitment to supporting academic excellence in young learners.

Antonio Taylor, a Spoto High School student, also made headlines as he earned his Associate in Arts degree through dual enrollment and graduated high school simultaneously. Taylor was recognized as a finalist for the Excellence in Education Award, which includes a scholarship for the next two years of college. He plans to pursue mechanical engineering at Florida A&M University this fall, crediting the support he received from Gentleman’s Quest of Tampa throughout his educational journey.

Hillsborough Community College Overview

HCC serves over 45,000 students annually across five campuses in the Tampa Bay area, providing a diverse range of programs and opportunities for academic growth. The commencement ceremony not only celebrated the achievements of graduates but also encouraged them to continue their educational journeys, highlighting the college’s role in shaping future leaders and professionals.

As the ceremony concluded, it became clear that the graduates had reached an important milestone in their lives, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, having been well-prepared through their experiences at HCC.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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