Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) will host winter commencement on Wednesday, December 10, 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 degrees and certificates. The morning ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the afternoon commencement will begin at 3:30 p.m. The event live stream link will be available at phsc.edu/grad.
This year’s winter graduates are an accomplished and ambitious group, defined by their determination and commitment to achieving their educational goals:
Tyson Branstetter, Instructional Performing Arts Center (IPAC), is set to graduate from PHSC with his associate in science in digital media/multimedia technology. Branstetter began his higher education in high school as a dual enrollment student with PHSC, coming to the college after graduation and pursuing different options. Branstetter has enjoyed helping with PHSC’s upcoming student podcast, The Bobcat Banter, where he has gained hands-on experience in production with the support of Assistant Professor Jonathan Tietz. He encourages high school students to take advantage of dual enrollment, which he believes makes completing an AA much more manageable. As he graduates, Branstetter is excited to begin his new photography job at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, and hopes to move further into professional video work while pursuing his bachelor’s degree.
Noelle Wilkins, Spring Hill Campus, is set to graduate this winter with her associate in arts degree, with a plan to pursue elementary education. “I've always loved learning, and pursuing higher education has felt natural to me since a young age. My time in PHSC gave me a chance to be a part of something bigger—to connect, build a community, lead and grow alongside others who share my passion for making a difference. As I continue my journey with Florida College System Student Government Association and work towards my bachelor's, I hope to inspire my future students to believe in themselves and reach for greater things,” Wilkins said. After graduation, her next steps include guiding fellow students towards leadership and self-growth and becoming an educator who builds meaningful connections and helps students to their full potential.
Emma Dunsmore, West Campus, is graduating this winter with her associate in arts degree with a plan to pursue political science. “My academic journey has been rich with experiences that have gotten me to deepen my love for my community and hometown. By being a PHSC student, I was able to find my way back to myself and find what makes me who I am, at my core. I fell in love with being a student again and became even more passionate about higher education. For that, I'm entirely grateful for PHSC,” Dunsmore said. Moving forward after graduation, she is excited to expand her horizons at the University of South Florida, meeting new people and growing her academics. “PHSC has taught me patience (with myself), empathy, and what taking initiative really means. I have gotten the opportunity to see leaders that I look up to in my local community and be inspired by their work,” she said.
Kenton Emerson, East Campus, is graduating this winter with his certificate in welding technology. Initially torn between plumbing, truck driving and welding, Emerson ultimately chose the path that sparked his creativity, welding. Emerson says choosing PHSC was an easy decision; it’s close to home, offers the hands-on experience he was looking for and is affordable. Emerson plans to one day build his own gym equipment and turn his passion into a business he truly enjoys.
Commencement speakers for both sessions include: Eric Hall, Ed.D., PHSC President; David Secrest, student representative, PHSC District Board of Trustees representatives; and Chris B. Williams, positive energy coach, author and motivational speaker. Approximately 300 degrees and certificates will be conferred at the ceremonies, with more than 960 summer and fall graduates estimated to be eligible to participate.