Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host winter commencement on Wednesday, December 11, in the Physical Fitness Center at the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road. Two commencement ceremonies will honor graduates earning bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and certificates. The morning ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the afternoon commencement will begin at 4:30 p.m. The event live stream link will be available at phsc.edu/grad.
This year's winter graduates include many ambitious and accomplished students, who have been through numerous hurdles and adversity in pursuit of a higher education. The student speakers for the ceremony are Amanda Ortner and Brooke Thieme, giving their remarks in the morning and afternoon respectively.
Amanda Ortner will graduate from PHSC with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and two Associate Degrees (AA and ASN). Ortner has a nine-year-old son, Jaedan, her spouse Fisseha, and an amazing group of friends and family who have supported and cheered her on during her academic journey. Ortner was inspired to attend PHSC due to the high standards and passing rates of the NCLEX state test, and dedicated her all to her classes, stating that “there are no shortcuts on schooling, it reminds me of this quote by Earl Nightingale: ‘Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it, the time will pass anyway.’” Ortner is excited to continue her education journey in the Intensive Care Unit at her hospital, and eventually further her education to the point that she can assist and guide young nurses, like herself, to find their own fulfillment in the nursing profession.
Brooke Thieme is graduating with her Associate in Arts, with a focus in Elementary Education. “With my passion for service and interest to leadership, I am excited to enter the field of education as a teacher and hope to reach a place where I can make a larger impact on the youth in our community within educational policy,” said Thieme. Throughout her years at PHSC, she became heavily involved in Student Life and Leadership as a student ambassador and student assistant. She has even held a leadership position as the Vice President of PHSC’s Rotaract Club at West Campus. In the 2023-2024 academic year, she was a recipient of the Dr. Felisha R. Barker Leadership Award and received two PHSC Foundation Scholarships.
With this experience, she has not only been able to grow her passions for service and leadership, but it has helped her work towards her current position as a member of the Board of Directors for the Marjorie's Hope Foundation. “As both a student and student assistant, I have been able to be a part of numerous college events and developed connections with so many amazing classmates, professors, and peers. Now that I am graduating, I can look back knowing I have not only gained the knowledge and skills needed for my future but also expanded my passion for a career in the field of education. I will forever be grateful for the impact that PHSC has had on me, both personally and professionally." Thieme has planned to continue her academic journey by pursuing a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and later earning a graduate degree in Educational Leadership at USF.
Alexis Frattini is graduating with her Associate in Science degree in marketing. “My journey at PHSC has been one of growth, resilience, and achievement. Returning to school later than planned - 12 years after graduating high school - was a significant adjustment, but balancing owning a business, interning this semester, family, coaching soccer, and being a full-time student has taught me the power of determination,” Frattini informed. During her academic journey, Frattini was able to intern with The Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, and will start working full time with them in the new year. “I will also be continuing my education at PHSC, pursuing a BAS in Supervision and Management, while also working toward earning my general contractor’s license to grow the decorative concrete business I have with my fiancé. I am honored to be joining Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Kappa Delta (English), and FBLA, and I look forward to what’s next!”
Jere Ferguson is graduating with his Bachelor of Science in supervision and management. Ferguson is a army veteran who has been deployed multiple times, delaying his academic goals. With his wife and children supporting him, Ferguson was able to complete his degree after 4 years. He is currently a Mortgage Loan Originator for Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco, and helps families obtain a home of their own, from start to finish. Affordable Housing has become his passion, and he will use this degree to continue to aid those who seek a home. Ferguson plans to go on to obtain a master’s in public administration.
Katie Shelley is graduating with her Associate in Science degree in nursing. Shelley moved to the Pasco-Hernando County area during highschool, coming from Salt Lake City Utah, and graduated at the height of the pandemic. Shelley liked staying local and close to home and decided to pursue her academic journey at PHSC, “it’s a really good community,” Shelley said, “and not just for academics. There are people who want you to succeed and will cheer you on along the way, not something you’ll get at a bigger college.” Shelley is excited to continue her academic journey by taking the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses, in January.
Athena Colvin is graduating with her Associate in Science degree in Digital Media and Multimedia Technology. Colvin has always been interested in art growing up and has created pieces in different media formats throughout her academic career. Colvin’s interest in art and how to make a career out of it has shifted towards graphic design, “when working towards my portfolio for my classes, I’ve enjoyed looking at the client and their branding and being able to figure out what they want out of my work,” Colvin said. Colvin’s recently been selected as the winner of PHSC’s presidential holiday card contest, cementing her love for graphic design, “it really felt like my hard work was recognized, and gave me a huge confidence boost,” Colvin said. Colvin plans to continue her academic journey in graphic design and eventually go to the University of South Florida for their graphic design programs.
Iman Bhyat is graduating with her Associate in Arts degree in english. Bhyat has a passion for writing and furthering her academic goals. As a first-generation American, Bhyat has had many struggles with the community around her, but “PHSC has allowed me to interact with many different people, and share my work with a much wider audience,” Bhyat said, “and being a part of this college allowed me to join different student organizations, even joining and being selected as the Vice President of Porter Campuses Phi Theta Kappa honor society.” Bhyat plans to further her academic journey through more English and writing programs.
Frank McBride is graduating with his Firefighter Certification from PHSC’s Fire Academy. “The PHSC fire academy has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. The hard work you put in and the brotherhood you form with you’re fellow cadets is like no other,” said McBride, “I am beyond excited for graduation and to start my career in the fire service with hopefully one of our local county departments.”
Other graduation speakers include, in both sessions: PHSC President, Jesse Pisors, Ed.D.; District Board of Trustees Vice Chair Marilyn Pearson-Adams; and Accounting Professor, Faculty Senate President Misty Price, Ph.D. The morning and afternoon ceremonies will include, respectively, Florida House of Representative speakers: State Representative District 53, Rep. Jeff Holcomb and State Representative District 54, Rep. Randy Maggard.
Approximately 299 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the ceremonies, with more than 500 students eligible for winter graduation.