The College of the Florida Keys graduated the fall class of 2025 at its 71st commencement on Dec. 12 in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on CFK’s Key West Campus.
Meghan Reigadas, who earned an associate in science in criminal justice technology, gave the student address and Jenny Mae Murphy, who received a bachelor of applied science in supervision and management, performed the national anthem.
This year, in honor of the college’s 60th anniversary, the keynote address was given by Bill Pearson, a 1967 alumnus and first student government president who went on to become an entrepreneur with multiple businesses selling shipwreck coins. The college presented him with an honorary bachelor’s degree along with Bill Wickers Jr., another alumnus from the class of 1967. Wickers, who was not able to attend the ceremony, received his honorary bachelor’s degree in recognition of his contributions to the maritime industry.
Michelle Fortney, CFK nurse administrator, pinned nursing graduates and led the Florence Nightingale Nursing Oath, a tradition dedicating graduate nurses to their new profession. Upon passing the NCLEX-RN, the national nursing licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse. CFK’s NCLEX-RN pass rate is well above the state and national averages.
The full commencement ceremony can be viewed on the college’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys.
CFK’s spring semester begins Jan. 9. The college will be closed for the holidays through Jan. 4. Information about academic programs, steps to become a student, and ways to pay for college can be viewed on the College’s website at CFK.edu/FutureStudents.
