Eckerd College celebrates nearly 500 graduates at 62nd Commencement

Large group of students standing under a tall tent toss their caps into the air

Graduates celebrate the conferral of their degrees this past Sunday under the big tent. Photos by Lisa Presnail

The familiar lilt of distant bagpipes drew family and friends into a frenzy under the massive white tent on South Beach Field at the start of Eckerd College’s 62nd Commencement on May 18.

They rushed to get photos of the 497 graduates as they processed across campus for the final time—passing by Armacost Library, residence halls and the sites of so many other memories before they completed their undergraduate college careers.

“You students who graduate today came to us in the midst of a global pandemic, arriving on campus for Autumn Term in August 2021 and taking up residence on a campus governed by rules and policies aimed at ensuring the safety of our community,” said Eckerd College President Jim Annarelli, Ph.D., in his welcome remarks. “In the face of the challenges of the pandemic, you adapted and, indeed, you thrived.”

Those words rang especially true for four exceptional graduates honored at the ceremony with awards voted on by the entire College faculty. Karin Ebey ’25 received the Philip Lee Honor Award for scholarly achievements. Helena Bertha Lewis ’25 received the James H. Robinson Award for contributing significantly to the experience of underrepresented students at Eckerd College. Hannah Leigh Towers ’25 received the Ronald Wilson Memorial Award for significant contributions to the total College community. Lyla Sullivan Blanchard ’25 received the Miller Award for public-spirited service to the community, off campus as well as on campus.

Faculty also received a spotlight in the program. Associate Professor of Chemistry Lisa A. Bonner, Ph.D., received the Robert A. Staub Distinguished Teacher Award for teaching excellence, and Professor of Economics Diana Fuguitt ’76, Ph.D., received the John Satterfield Outstanding Mentor Award. Both honors were selected by the graduating class.

Additionally, past chair of the Eckerd College Board of Trustees (2000–2014), Trustee Emeritus Miles C. Collier was bestowed the College’s highest honor: the Helmar E. Nielsen Medal for demonstrating exceptional devotion to the College and to its mission of undergraduate liberal arts education through extraordinary service, advocacy and generosity. He became the second recipient of that award after its namesake received it last year at Commencement.

Grad cap that reads "They say that the best blaze brightest when circumstances are at their worst"

Mortarboards reflected the creativity and determination of a class that persisted through a pandemic and hurricanes.

Lisa Bonner, Ph.D.

Anna June Randall ’25, who had been elected by her peers to speak for her class, talked about the 25 experiences many Tritons shared, highlighting those “most important and special parts of Eckerd” and how their time on campus made them feel.

“Take that feeling you get when you watch the sunset on South Beach or when you find a yellow bike when you’re late for class, and spread that feeling,” she implored. “The world needs more people who radiate those good feelings, and Eckerd taught us to be just that. So take those wonderful Eckerd feelings, and go make the world a better and brighter place.”

Student in grad cap speaks into microphone at podium

Anna Randall ’25 at the podium

Before the big walk, Duke Energy Florida President Melissa Seixas ’92 offered her personal testimony and a little advice for the graduates embarking on their next chapter.

“My experience here shaped me—how I lead, how I serve customers and communities, and how I think about building a cleaner energy future,” Seixas said. “It taught me how to listen, collaborate, problem-solve and lead with curiosity. I carry that with me every single day.”

Seixas congratulated the Class of 2025 and told her unique story of ascent as a history major in a utility company. She started in the company’s drafting department while she pursued her history degree.

“As I unraveled the complexities of the electric grid, my classes in Reformation, Women’s Studies, Russian/Soviet History, English Literature, African American History, and Latin American Politics reshaped my perspective,” she explained.

Speaker in glasses stands at podium with text "Eckerd College"

Melissa Seixas ’92 addresses the Class of 2025.

“These courses didn’t just inform me—they transformed how I see systems of power, resilience and changes. They sharpened my ability to recognize the intricate forces shaping the world.”

Eckerd awarded Seixas an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and also brought back President Emeritus Donald R. Eastman III and his wife, Christine, to honor their 19 years of leadership to the College, from 2001 to 2020, with honorary doctorates in laws and humane letters, respectively.

“Your Eckerd education will remain a part of you, grounding you in ways you may not even realize at first,” Seixas emphasized for the class. “Beyond the warm sunshine, the unmatched beauty of the waterfront and lifelong friendships you’ve made, you’ll carry with you an openness to experiment, a sharpened ability to critically analyze, and a deep understanding of competing perspectives—qualities that will serve you no matter where life leads.”