Medal of Honor Recipient Kyle Carpenter, Musician Shawn Mims, Nursing Executive Ashley Barquin, and Technology Innovator Taylor Gerring Headline Six Ceremonies; More Than 1,500 Treasure Coast Graduates Cross the Stage
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (May 8, 2026) — Ƶ (The River) achieved a landmark milestone this spring. The college conferred its 100,000th credential since its founding. The River hosted its Spring 2026 Commencement on May 6, 7, and 8, 2026. Six ceremonies took place at the Westside Center, 3361 South Jenkins Road, Fort Pierce, Florida. More than 1,500 graduates crossed the stage, and more than 8,000 family members and friends attended the ceremonies — marking one of the most significant commencement seasons in the college’s recent history.
Notably, the class included hundreds of Promise Program completers. Many of them became the first in their families to earn a college degree. Together, they embody The River’s core mission: accessible, high-quality education for every Treasure Coast student. The graduates are from the college’s service district: Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.
Across three days, The River delivered a heartfelt celebration of achievement. Graduates earned bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and nursing credentials. The latter carries special significance as The River celebrates the 60th anniversary of its nursing program. Others received career and technical education certifications, GED diplomas, and Educator Preparation certificates. Families filled the Westside Center with cheers, tears, and embraces at every turn.
Beyond celebration, the ceremonies underscored a critical regional need. River graduates directly fuel the Treasure Coast’s growing economy. They enter nursing, skilled trades, technology, and business at a pivotal moment. Their credentials strengthen the region’s workforce — and transform their own lives in the process.
Ceremony Details and Distinguished Speakers
Academic Coordinator Abelard Cesar performed the National Anthem before each of the six ceremonies. His performances set a proud and patriotic tone for every event throughout the three-day celebration.
Bachelor’s Degree Ceremony — May 6, 2026
Lance Corporal (Ret) Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor Recipient, delivered . In 2010, Carpenter shielded a fellow Marine from a grenade in Afghanistan. He survived. He recovered. Then he earned his college degree and became a bestselling author. His message of resilience and selfless service resonated deeply with The River’s newest graduates.
“Graduates, today you leave here with degrees in hand, but most importantly, you leave here with decisions in front of you,” said Carpenter. “Make the decision to give life everything you’ve got. Life is a hard-earned but worthy journey. Enjoy and appreciate the beautiful moments.”
Ashley Barquin, DNP, APRN-C, Chief Nursing Officer at Florida Coast Medical Center, delivered the . Barquin brought a powerful frontline perspective to the ceremony and pinning. She spoke directly to nurses entering a demanding field. Her message: the Treasure Coast needs you, and you are ready.
“Dedication leads you to the degree, but compassion earns you the pin,” said Barquin. “Today, these graduates stop studying the pulse of the community and start becoming it.”
Associate Degree, Other Degree & Certificates Ceremony — May 7, 2026
Additionally, musician and entrepreneur Shawn Mims at the ceremonies on May 7. Mims earned global recognition with his platinum hit “This Is Why I’m Hot.” He spoke on creative entrepreneurship, self-belief, and the power of community. His words connected with graduates preparing to step boldly into their next chapter.
“Keep going when the path changes,” said Mims. “Keep going when the plans have changed. Keep going when the results take longer than you expected. Keep going when people don’t see in you what you see in yourself, yet. And while you do, and while you build something that matters, I want you to build a life that you can be proud of. Build with character. Build with courage. Build with integrity. Build in a way that makes the people who sacrificed for you feel like it was worth it.”
Associate Degree, Other Degree & Certificates Ceremony — May 8, 2026
Technology innovator and entrepreneur Taylor Gerring also on May 8. Gerring, a proud Ƶ alumnus, graduated with an associate’s degree in business in 2003. He shared his journey from The River to the frontier of emerging technology.
“You can never know how life will turn out, but to make the most of it, you will need to jump in with both feet, show up consistently, and celebrate wins,” Gerring told the graduates.
Quote from College President
“One hundred thousand credentials — each one a turning point,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Ƶ. “Behind every diploma is a story of grit, sacrifice, and possibility realized. These graduates have transformed their lives, deepened our community, and proven what Ƶ was built to do.”
Quote from Provost
“This class is a portrait of everything Ƶ stands for,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Provost of Ƶ. “Promise scholars, nurses, skilled tradespeople — they arrived with different dreams and leave with the same hard-earned result. Every single one of them belongs on this stage.”
Quote from VP of Student Success
“Student success isn’t just about crossing a finish line — it’s about everything we do to make sure students get there,” said Beth Gaskin, Vice President for Student Success at Ƶ. “This milestone reminds us why we show up every day: to walk alongside our students through every challenge until they reach this moment.”
The Ƶ Promise Program
The Ƶ Promise Program provides tuition-free associate degrees to eligible high school graduates. Students from Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties qualify. The sponsors and administers the program. Generous donor philanthropy funds every Promise award.
In Spring 2026, hundreds of students completed the Promise Program. Many crossed the stage as the first college graduates in their family’s history. Their success underscores why accessible education remains The River’s highest priority.
About Ƶ
Ƶ serves Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The college provides high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students. Students access more than 130 programs through traditional and online formats. Programs lead to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.
