Florida Polytechnic University celebrated an in-person graduating ceremony for the 2020 and 2021 class on Sunday.

This is the first graduation ceremony Polytechnic students have seen since 2019; and students piled into the big day with a great sense of appreciation. 

“I’m just really excited to be here,” said business analyst graduate Megan Morano. “It’s an amazing opportunity that we even have the pleasure of graduation and that we are inviting 2020, 2021 classes; It’s a true honor to speak for the classes graduating.”

Megan joined hundreds of other students at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium who were able to share their graduation day with their loved ones. 

“We didn’t have to do this virtually, our families get to be here,” said Megan. “It’s going to be a good time.” 

Among Megan’s peers is Jacinto Diego. Diego’s parents drove three hours to be a part of their son’s day, but he says they traveled much further to make sure he had more opportunities than they did. 

“They are from Guatemala; it’s pretty poverty stricken,” said Diego. “They only had a third-grade education.” 

Diego says he is the first to graduate from college but he hopes he’s not the last. 

“I have a better chance than my parents did - more opportunities - I want my siblings to graduate from college too.” 

The ceremony featured several speakers including Tom Wallace, a 40-year veteran of technology start-ups. Wallace encouraged the students to not only follow their dreams but invest in them. 

Polytechnic University has been operating for seven years. This was the university's fourth graduation ceremony.