Student speakers share words of advice at fall commencement

By Paul Guzzo, University Communications and Marketing

Though Coby Flannery's University of South Florida commencement ceremony didn't begin for another 90 minutes, his seven family members were already waiting outside the Yuengling Center, first in line when doors opened.

"This is a big day for him and our family," his mother, Suzanne Moore, said. "We wanted to be here early so we could get the best seats to watch him graduate. We're so proud."

Flannery's family, which included an aunt and uncle who are USF alumni, then sat in the second row and cheered loudly when he received a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.

Nearly 4,000 degrees were conferred during this fall's commencement. The group, which represented 93 countries, 42 states and 11 U.S. territories, included 47 undergraduate students earning a perfect 4.0 grade point average and 107 military veterans.

The oldest graduate was 70 and earned a master's degree in liberal arts, while the youngest was 16 and earned a bachelor's degree in biology.

All now share a common theme - they are USF alumni.

"Today, you join a network of nearly 400,000 living USF alumni who are making an impact worldwide," USF President Rhea Law said in her remarks. "Each of you will venture in different directions - whether it's starting your career, or continuing your education, or perhaps serving in the military, or pursuing other life goals - but you are all united through your alma mater. You are all USF Bulls."

Student keynote speakers touched on a variety of topics. Katelyn Pike looked back on the two hurricanes that interrupted learning this semester and devastated the Tampa Bay community.

"Despite these hardships, we have made it to this beautiful moment of strength, accomplishment and gratitude," said Pike, who earned her bachelor's degree in psychology. "Never forget the resilience and perseverance you have shown."

Alina Shroff sought to assure fellow graduates that it is okay to feel "average" in a world "that glorifies excellence."

"It is through our shared experiences of being average that we find common ground, foster empathy and create a sense of belonging," said Shroff, who earned two bachelor's degrees, one in psychology and another in health sciences. "What if I told you that average is not a burden, but a place to grow?"

Abigail Dupre reminded the crowd of students that their years at USF were at the beginning of their road to success.

"It's at this very moment that we step out of our boxes and truly begin to live," said Dupre, who earned her bachelor's degree in language, speech and hearing science.

Leilani Paxton, who received her doctoral degree in geography and environmental science and policy, reminded graduates to thank those who helped them along the way.

"You've been our cheerleaders, our confidantes, and our unwavering support system," said Paxton, whose father earned the same degree from USF in 2014, studying under the same academic advisor. "You've celebrated our triumphs, offered comfort during setbacks, and patiently endured countless late-night emails filled with likely incomprehensible ramblings about our research. Thank you for believing in us, even when we doubted ourselves."

That sentiment resonated with 16-year-old Baylee Aguilar, the youngest graduate in the fall class and second youngest in USF history. She credits the support of her single mother, Lupe, with the achievement.

"My mom has been there with me since the beginning," Aguilar said. "So, it felt right that she was there with me in the end. It was symbolic of our journey together."

This year's commencement also marked a significant goodbye.

It was the final one for Karen Holbrook, who retires at the end of the month after serving as regional chancellor of USF Sarasota-Manatee since 2018.

"Chancellor Holbrook, we are truly grateful for everything you have done for the University of South Florida, and we congratulate you on your highly decorated career in higher education," Law said.

And, in a touching moment, Law presented the Distinguished Citizen Award posthumously to Amir Abdur-Rahim, the beloved USF men's basketball coach who died unexpectedly on Oct. 24 at the age of 43.

His widow, Arianne, accepted the award.

"Amir loved this university. He loved this community," she told the graduates, who included USF basketball players Kobe Knox and Corey Walker. "He strove daily to honor this institution. Thank you so much for honoring him in return."

For first-generation graduate Jayden Stewart's six relatives in attendance, they hoped his was the first of many commencements to come for their family.

"Today shows the value of the hard work, value and ethics taught to him by his family," Stewart's cousin, Peyton Vines, said from the front row. "We couldn't be prouder."

Stewart, who earned a bachelor's degree in biological health sciences and is now seeking a graduate program for medicine, said graduation marks another step in his personal journey to becoming a pediatric physician assistant and in his family's greater path moving forward.

"This allows me to become a foundation for the future of my family," Stewart said. "I want to forge a path for generations to come."

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