New Challenges, Opportunities Ahead for Florida Tech Class of 2022

More than 1,000 young men and women from around the world can now call themselves Florida Tech alumni, joining more than 60,000 graduates proudly representing the relentless approach to excellence that is the hallmark of the Melbourne university.

On Saturday, the school bestowed 1,067 degrees at its fall 2022 commencement, with about 740 students participating in morning and afternoon ceremonies. Graduates represented 43 countries and 34 states.

“Our professors, our students, and yes, our alumni are continually seeking new discoveries and constantly pursuing new innovations to make our world a better place. They have done this for decades, and you will now extend that proud legacy,” Interim President Robert L. King, who hosted both ceremonies, said in remarks to graduates. “So work hard, keep learning, and perhaps most importantly, keep contributing to your field of study, your career, your communities and the world. I am confident you will help solve many of this place’s and this planet’s most daunting challenges.”

Keynote speaker and Florida Tech alumnus Mike Sole ’86, vice president, environmental services at NextEra Energy, Inc., said that while most of the 2022 graduates will no longer be on campus, they will always be united.

“While many of you are excited to leave Florida Tech and embark on your next journey in life, don’t be surprised by the connectedness you will have with Florida Tech: The many friends that you’ve made, the experiences (both good and bad) and the stories you will tell.”

He spoke of three values from his employer that he said are applicable to today’s graduating students: make a commitment to excellence; do the right thing; and treat people with respect. He added one more recommendation: Take measured risk.

“Often we are taught that ‘risk’ is a bad word, but in reality it is something that we manage in our day-to-day lives. It is inherent in what we do to succeed, and playing it safe with your career doesn’t always pay off,” Sole said. “You must be prepared to manage your ‘risk vs reward’ decision-making because sooner or later, you will be facing some tough decisions.”

A recording of the ceremonies is available at https://www.fit.edu/commencement-stream/.