LAKELAND, Fla. – It was a day of caps, gowns, and career advice at Florida Southern College on Saturday, as 160 students walked the stage to accept their degrees.
The Dec. 20 commencement ceremony marked a significant milestone for the fall class of 2025, featuring a keynote address from a man who has spent decades navigating the upper echelons of American business. Mark Pitts, a college trustee and the current Vice President & General Manager at Florida Fresh Vending & Markets, delivered the primary address.
Pitts, whose 35-year resume reads like a tour of major industry players—including Coca-Cola North America, PRG-Schultz Inc., and the Tampa Bay Lightning—leaned on his experience to offer guidance to the new alumni. Known for a leadership style that prioritizes people over process, Pitts encouraged the graduates to carry that same human-centric approach into their future careers.
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In a moment honoring his own contributions to the business world and the community, the college conferred upon Pitts an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
While Pitts offered the veteran’s perspective, senior speaker Marina Linnert provided the view from the student body. Her remarks centered on the themes of perseverance and resilience, acknowledging the challenges the class overcame to reach the finish line.
The administration also took time to spotlight specific students for exceptional performance. Michelle Watts, an elementary education major, was awarded the President’s Scholar Medal.
The honor recognizes a student who balances high academic achievement with significant leadership on campus. Additionally, the Dr. Sarah Dukes McKay Fine and Performing Arts Award was presented to Kelly Sturhahn for her standout contributions to the arts program.
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Florida Southern College President Jeremy Martin closed the loop on the students’ academic journey by looking forward to where they are headed next.
“Members of this class join recent graduates accepted to distinguished graduate programs throughout the nation and world,” Martin told the crowd. “They have attained positions as health care professionals, educators, commissioned military officers, actors and musicians, clergy, and business professionals in Fortune 500 companies across the nation, as well as local organizations.”
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