Media Release
May 3, 2016 6:45 a.m.
WHAT: The tremendous dedication and hard work of thousands of Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) students will be honored at the 49th annual
Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 5. Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree and/or associate degree will be awarded a diploma by FSCJ President Dr. Cynthia Bioteau and the FSCJ District Board of Trustees. Approximately 5,165 Florida State College at Jacksonville students have earned degrees for the 2015-16 academic year with some students earning more than one degree. Of these, 3,501 are associate in arts degrees, 986 are associate in science degrees and 757 are bachelor’s
degrees.
The 2016 keynote speaker is Dr. Sampson Davis www.drsampsondavis.com/about-dr-davis/, a board certified Emergency Medicine Physician, author and co-author of New York Times best-sellers and a highly revered inspirational speaker. Dr. Davis has been named one of “the premiere role models of the world” by Oprah Winfrey, honored with the Essence Lifetime Achievement Award and is the youngest physician to receive the National Medical Association’s highest honor, The Scroll of Merit.
The 2016 Commencement Ceremony will also have two special award presentations this year. Dr. Bioteau and District Board of Trustees Chair Jimmie Mayo will present an
honorary Bachelor of Science in Business Administration to Mr. Harry Frisch. Mr. Frisch has been a generous contributor to FSCJ for decades, most recently through
the development of the Frisch Institute for Senior Care. The newly established Frisch Institute for Senior Care seeks to foster students’ interest in caring for
older adults and to prepare students with the latest evidence-based interventions and knowledge to care for the older adult population.
Additionally, Dr. Bioteau will present a Distinguished Alumni Award to Jim Marlier, for his years of support and contributions to FSCJ. Mr. Marlier graduated from FSCJ
in 1969 with his associate in arts degree and later served on the FSCJ Foundation Board of Directors.
The faculty and student procession is beginning promptly at 3:45 p.m., with the ceremony immediately following at 4 p.m.
WHEN: Thursday, May 5, 2016 at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202