A Standout Semester
Gathered in the Crowne Centre, Pensacola Christian College students wrapped up fall 2024 at Closing Convocation. During this December chapel—the last of the semester—students commemorated Christmas and recalled campus life. Between new events like the Red Carpet Evening: A Fine Dining Experience and fan favorites like Turkey Bowl, students found new friends and created unforgettable memories.
This fall, the Red Carpet Evening: A Fine Dining Experience made a celebrated debut. After a gourmet multi-course meal in MacKenzie Great Hall, students enjoyed a rooftop reception. Abigail Knowles (Fr., Bahamas) shared, “The Red Carpet dinner was unforgettable. [During] dessert, we overlooked campus while the string quartet played.” Anna Graber (Fr., SC) also loved the elegant gathering. “The fine dining night was a good time to get dressed up and then just spend time with friends around a table together!”
Fine Arts was another elevated occasion. The Academy of Arts Logos Theatre from South Carolina staged C. S. Lewis’s The Horse and His Boy in the Dale Horton Auditorium. The performance was state of the art. Melissa Crist (So., FL) was completely immersed. “The puppets, puppeteers, and actors brought the story to life!”
Other campus activities included sports events. Layla Covey (So., Canada) loved cheering on student players with her friends. She shared, “The event that stood out to me the most was Turkey Bowl—everyone was super excited for it.” At Turkey Bowl, collegians—student organizations—took to Eagle Field to compete in soccer matches.
“It’s amazing to see campus covered in millions of lights. It always reminds me of the warmth and hope of Christmas.”
As Christmas neared, the maintenance team decked the halls. Their work went live at the Christmas Lights Celebration—PCC’s annual campus lighting concert. Overnight, the Floridian campus turned festive. Julianna Davis (Sr., GA) had a special reason to love this event—she helped make it happen. “I work on the maintenance crew that puts lights on all the bushes and trees. It’s amazing to see campus covered in millions of lights. It always reminds me of the warmth and hope of Christmas.”
Adding to the festivities, the junior students gathered for a Christmas party in the Sports Center. The class officers planned activities and selected holiday treats, including lattes from alumni-owned Coffee Cabin Co. While sharing snacks, friends built gingerbread houses and snow globes. Later, they played broom hockey on the ice skating rink. Class President Landen Little (Jr., GA) shared, “Working with other class officers to plan this party was an opportunity I enjoyed. [The event] was good for class unity.”
Students were excited to bring the Christmas spirit home. After decorating her residence hall room with friends, Layla’s thoughts turned towards family. “My favorite traditions are baking caramel rolls with my mom and watching funny, cheesy Christmas movies with my family.”
Looking to 2025
Seated during Closing Convocation, students remembered their accomplishments. During the year, they built independence as they pored over library books and showcased skills in the classroom. They will enter 2025 with new confidence.
Over the fall, Aaron Corona (So., CA) tackled coursework for his criminal justice major and music minor. He passed his platform—a mid-degree skill assessment—for the clarinet. Aaron was excited to share his music at a recital, “One of my biggest highlights from this semester was being able to play in a clarinet trio and perform it in the Mullenix Chapel.”
Students also celebrated interpersonal growth. Over her college career, Sheridan Ambrocio (Sr., OH) has become an equipped professional. “As a nursing major, every skill I’ve gained is practical. Patients trust you to give them excellent care, and that motivates you to step up and be confident.”
Professional writing student Parker Pritchett (Sr., KY) shared Sheridan’s sentiment. A December graduate, Parker is excited to enter 2025 as a PCC alumnus. “God chose to use my time [at PCC] to grow me in big ways that will change my life. I felt safe to let my guard down, laugh, and get to know people.”
Over Interterm, some students planned a head start on 2025. Cybersecurity student Julianna lined up a practicum. She shared, “This Christmas break, I have a remote internship. I will be working on various projects for the head of IT at a small company, and I’m hoping it will give me valuable experience for a future cybersecurity career.”
“College has been such an adventure, and I’ve grown so much.”
With her college foundation, Julianna is ready for graduation. “College has been such an adventure, and I’ve grown so much.”
As seniors finished strong, new students anticipated the journey ahead. Pre-nursing major Abigail Cuckler (Fr., CO) shared, “I have really enjoyed [Pensacola Christian College] and am so unbelievably grateful the Lord led me here. My goals for the new year are to stay on course and stay persistent.”
United in the Crowne Centre, PCC students closed fall 2024—a semester of great memories and new accomplishments. As students sang a final carol—”We Wish You a Merry Christmas”—they looked ahead to reunions with loved ones and joyful traditions. Whether they return in 2025 or begin alumni life, they are excited for the next chapter.