The first week of May is always an exciting time for Pensacola Christian College students. For over 800 students, this was the end of their college careers and the beginning of a new chapter. As undergraduates turned their tassels, the Crowne Centre erupted with cheers for these graduates’ hard work.
On Thursday evening, May 7, 74 nursing students crossed the Dale Horton Auditorium stage during the Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony and received their nursing pin, signifying the culmination of their hard work in PCC’s nursing program. Seniors Vivian Befus (Nursing ’26), Emma Harry (Nursing ’26), and Jazelle Narvasa (Nursing ’26) gave speeches, and senior Grayson Murray (Nursing ’26) received the Nursing Excellence Award. The list of students receiving their pins as well as the Nurses’ Pinning Ceremony can both be viewed on Watch PCC.
On Friday, May 8, the Commencement Ceremony for Liberal Arts, Professional Studies, and Visual and Performing Arts started at 9:30 a.m. During this ceremony, Daisy Jaffé received an Honorary Doctor of Music for her exceptional musical accomplishments. Alumna Cathy McMorris Rogers (Pre-Law ’90) gave the commencement address for both ceremonies and encouraged graduates to “choose this day whom you will serve.” After her speech, Jillian Sanchez (Management ’26) received the President’s Citation of Merit award, and over 400 students walked the Crowne Centre stage to receive their degrees. Laura Snider (Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction Secondary ’26), Christiana Wei (Ed.D. Educational Leadership ’26), and Mike Lopez (Ed.D. Educational Leadership ’26) also received their doctor of education degrees.
During the 2 p.m. Commencement Ceremony for Arts and Sciences and Biblical Studies, Jamison Coppola (M.S. Educational Administration ’97) received an Honorary Doctor of Pedagogy for his advocacy for Christian schools in Washington, D.C. Thaddaeus Kutrieb (Nursing ’26) received the President’s Citation of Merit, and several hundred students received their degrees. Joshua Burdick, Dennis Harry, and Andrew Malack all received their doctor of ministry degree.
Many graduates were recognized for earning honors and awards, and those students’ names can be found on pages 14–15 of the Commencement program. Rewatch both Commencement Ceremonies on Watch PCC!