The College of the Florida Keys will hold its 61st Commencement Exercises for the graduating Class of 2020 in an outdoor ceremony beside the Gulf of Mexico on the Key West Campus on at 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11. 

Fifty graduates will don a face mask with their cap and gown to walk across the stage to receive their diploma. Some of the graduates participating in the ceremony completed their studies earlier this year but were unable to formally celebrate their achievement as the College’s spring graduation exercises were cancelled. The College expects to award more than 200 bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and certificates in 2020.

Graduation ceremony attendance will be limited to ticketed guests. The event will be streamed live to reach a broader audience on the College’s Facebook page at facebook.com/TheCollegeoftheFloridaKeys

Former state representative Holly Raschein will deliver the keynote address. Carrie Groomes, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management and retired from a 20-year career at CFK this year, will present the student address. 

Earlier in the day, the College will hold a virtual nursing ceremony for 11 students who completed their associate of science degree in nursing this fall semester. Upon passing the national NCLEX-RN licensure exam, each will become a registered nurse.  

CFK’s spring semester begins Jan. 8. Information about academic programs, steps to become a student, and ways to pay for college can be viewed at cfk.edu.