Distinguished St. Petersburg Junior College alumni, Joseph H. Lang, Sr. graduated in 1959.

"It was 5th Avenue U, is what is was referred to here in St. Petersburg," said Lang.

Lang’s alma matter, now called St. Petersburg College will hold its 125th commencement ceremony Saturday.

SPC dates back to 1927. The college boasts being the state’s first 2-year institution of higher learning. The college first consisted of one campus. There were 48 members of the first graduating class in 1929.

Fast forward to 2014, things look totally different. There are now eleven campuses. More than 1,100 students are expected to graduate Saturday.

"No way, I just didn’t think that that could happen," said Lang.

Lang enrolled at SPJC after serving two years in the Navy. He studied psychology and was active in student government and social organizations.

Lang graduated from SPJC, enrolled at Duke University, then went on to law school. He eventually opened his own law firm in St. Petersburg, where he still practices law today.

Lang says junior college paved the way for him.

"It prepared me to go on to my career, which now is 50 years old," he said. "It wouldn’t have happened if it hadn’t been for the way I was turned around academically at St. Pete Junior College."

Lang has advice for the students who attend the campus, 55 years later.

"I believe they should continue their education in whatever direction that they’re going," he said.