Fall Commencement Celebrates Students' Stories & Achievements

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This fall, 1,888 students are eligible to receive diplomas. Over 605 Eastern Florida State College students walked across the Commencement stage on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ceremonies.

“It doesn’t feel real yet that I’m graduating,” said Katie Crowder, a first-generation college student who earned her BAS in Organizational Management, Public Administration while balancing full-time work and a side business.

“It feels like hard work paying off. I’m so appreciative of the opportunity. I’m proud of myself and I know my family’s proud.”

Among the many family-centric celebrations are husband and wife Yamil Feliciano and Maria Ayala Nararen, who are walking across the stage together after completing degrees they started as far back as 2007.

"I wanted to give a good example to my kids," says Maria, who will be starting a job with Northrop Grumman in January 2026. "As a family, we all motivated each other."

Yamil, who completed his A.S. in Aviation Maintenance Administration, has been working with United Launch Alliance for the past seven years.

"My education will give me greater heights for my future and career," says Yamil, who has plans to pursue a bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering. "I never thought in a million years my wife and I would be graduating at the same time. Because of her, I was motivated to continue and finish my degree I started in 2007. Now I want to keep going"

College President Dr. Jim Richey congratulated all the graduates, telling the crowds, “You are the best and brightest, and are now an integral part of the legacy of success that is EFSC. The world needs you. We need your talents, imagination, creativity, and hard work. You are the Titan Nation.”

Joining the ranks of that Titan Nation is Sean Noble, who for the past three years has played the role of EFSC's Mr. Titan mascot at everything from sporting events to Foundation fundraisers.

“I've loved every day I've been here," says Sean, who is graduating with his Associate in Arts with plans to pursue a bachelor's in business-related Information Technology at UCF. "I've loved this job and I'm sad to see it go, but excited to move on to my next big thing in life."

Looking back over fond memories, Sean recalls the annual Superhero 5K, where he raced Mr. Titan against other mascots while posing for photos with families and kids.

"Matching the energy of other people is the biggest part of being a mascot," says Sean. "As Mr. Titan, I've met so many different people and made them smile."

His advice for incoming students: "Be positive, enjoy the schooling, and live life to the fullest. The people at EFSC are wonderful, and it's great to be part of the College."

Also adding to that part-of-College theme were Heather Washington and Christal Milligan, who both have long histories contributing to EFSC.  

Heather Washington, who has worked at the College since 2013 and earned a degree in Organizational Management, Nonprofit Specialization, feels the experience is both surreal and rewarding.

“I looked at my graduation plan and realized I only had two classes left. I started crying because it was like: 'Heather, you finished!',” she says. Balancing her job, family responsibilities, and the loss of her sister, Washington persevered to completion with the support of her colleagues and loved ones. 

Christal Milligan, a dedicated student leader who has served as Vice President of Rotaract, President of the Hispanic Culture Club, and an active member of PTK, NSLS, TRIO, and the Honors program, is graduating with both an Associate in Arts and an A.S. in Business Administration degree.

A Citizen Scholar with more than 1,500 volunteer hours, Christal has also held work-study positions in Career Services and the Center for Service Learning, where staff provided vital support as she balanced academics, disability, and raising two children.

“It's been a challenge,” she reflected. “My work-study positions were extremely supportive, and staff members have been very encouraging and helpful."

She's most looking forward to a well-earned break before transferring to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, with the goal of starting a non-profit for single parents in Brevard County.

Both ceremonies were broadcast live on WEFS-TV and livestreamed via YouTube.

Commencement replays can be viewed on the College’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/efscwatch.

Graduates, family, and friends can post their photos and videos on social media using the hashtag #EFSCGrad so they can be part of the virtual social wall.

EFSC's newest alumni join more than 130,000 others who have earned their diplomas from the college since it opened in 1960 with one campus.

Today four campuses span the Space Coast from Titusville to Palm Bay with almost four dozen programs also available completely online.

To learn more about EFSC and the nearly 150 programs offered, visit easternflorida.edu.

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