The College of the Florida Keys on May 8 held its 72nd commencement exercises.
For the first time in the college’s 60-year history, two ceremonies were needed to honor more than 150 graduates in CFK’s spring class of 2026.
The celebrations, held at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West campus, coincided with CFK’s 60th anniversary and the country’s 250th.
Student Voices
Jessica Rojas, who earned a bachelor’s degree of applied science in supervision and management, delivered the student address at the morning ceremony. Araceli Dominguez, who received her associate’s degree in science in nursing, spoke at the afternoon ceremony.
Yesenia Bathelmy, who earned her associate’s degree in science in nursing, performed the national anthem at both ceremonies.
2026 Distinguished Alum
Christina Belotti, who earned her associate’s degree in arts from CFK in 2004, was named the 2026 Distinguished Alumnus and addressed graduates at both ceremonies. An educator for nearly 20 years, Belotti has taught at Sugarloaf School and Marathon Middle High School.
Keynote Address
Tim Stockwell, “Papa 2025” of the Hemingway Look-Alike Society, delivered the keynote address at both ceremonies. Stockwell is vice president of the board for the Sloppy Joe’s Foundation. He and his fellow Hemingway look-alikes have tirelessly supported CFK for nearly 27 years, donating more than $250,000 for scholarships that have helped more than 300 students further their education. The society’s $750,000 endowment is the largest at CFK.
Honoring nurses
CFK nursing instructor Laura Cox pinned nursing graduates and Michelle Fortney, interim dean of nursing, arts, science and hospitality led graduates in the Florence Nightingale Nursing Oath, a tradition marking their entry into the profession.
Upon passing the national licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse. CFK’s exam pass rate consistently ranks well above state and national averages.
2026 Instructor of the Year – It’s a tie
Nursing instructors Laura Cox and Michelle Ho were both named CFK’s Instructor of the Year. At the end of each semester, the students vote for an outstanding professor to be recognized at graduation.
A Class of Stories
The Class of 2026 reflected the range of students CFK serves. Among the graduates were six students from the Project ACCESS program for students with intellectual disabilities, and one alum of the program who returned to complete a bachelor’s degree of applied science in supervision and management.
Thirteen dual-enrollment students from Monroe County high schools received associate degrees and/or certificates. The class also included siblings who earned their associate’s degree in science in nursing simultaneously, and two international students who completed their degrees.
Honoring CFK’s pioneers
In recognition of CFK’s 60th anniversary, two alumni among the college’s earliest graduates received honorary degrees:
- Joey Garcia, who earned his associate’s degree in arts in 1967, was awarded an honorary bachelor’s degree of applied science in supervision and management.
- Judi Knowles Vaeth, one of the first students to receive an associate’s degree of arts in 1966, was honored with an honorary bachelor of science in nursing.
The full commencement ceremony can be viewed on the college’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys.
