Nearly 220 graduates walked across the stage at the College of Design, Construction and Planning’s spring commencement on May 2 at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
This year, UF’s newest president, President Kent Fuchs, attended the ceremony.
“Many notable designers, constructors & planners have graduated from DCP,” said President Fuchs. “And graduates, today, you join the ranks.”
“During your time here as students you have played a key role in the campus community,” said Dean Silver. “We are proud of your accomplishments and we expect great things from you as our new alumni. We wish you every success.”
David Brandon, BCN 1981, founder of Brandon Construction Company in Palm Harbor, and UF Board of Trustee member, was this year’s keynote speaker.
“It is your character that is your legacy,” said Brandon. “Do what is right…you are a Gator.”
Brandon is a fourth generation Floridian and second generation UF Alumni. In 1983, he founded Brandon Construction Company of Palm Harbor and continues to serves as President and CEO of Brandon Construction Company.
Associate Dean and professor, Bill Tilson, presented the college faculty awards including Research Foundation Professorship, Service Learning Project award, International Educators of the Year, Faculty Service award and Teacher/Adviser of the Year.
Suzanne Norris, President of UF’s Alumni Association, presented a Four-Year Scholar Award to architecture student, Alexis Hyman.
Our student award recipients were presented by Assistant Dean Andrew Wehle.
Chad Monroe, BCN 2015, the undergraduate recipient of the 2015 DCP Academic Achievement Award, spoke of his decision and journey to attend UF and DCP.
“Learn to listen and trust in yourself, throw caution to the wind and follow your heart,” Monroe said. “Today, we stand here as former versions of ourselves only wiser, stronger and better prepared for tomorrow. Of course, we had what we should consider, some of the greatest times of our lives. We shared in something we will remember forever and formed lifelong friendships in the process. Today is your day, your moment in time. Congratulations to each one of you! Congratulations to all those that have supported you! Share this moment with them, remember the overwhelming sense of joy you feel, and apply it to everything you do in life.”
DCP webmaster, Brent Ferraro, designed memento tokens for DCP graduates using laser cutters in the college’s Fab Lab.
Throughout commencement, the College of Design, Construction and Planning recognized a number of faculty members and students. View the list.