New College of Florida 2025 graduation marks achievement and endurance
One day after dozens of students and alumni gathered for an off-campus 'People's Commencement' in protest of sweeping changes to New College of Florida, the school held its official 2025 graduation ceremony Friday evening. After two years of upheaval, the ceremony symbolized the academic achievement and endurance of students who were present as Governor Ron DeSantis reshaped the culture and identity of the small liberal arts college.
Since the appointment of a new board of trustees and President Richard Corcoran in early 2023, the school has shifted away from its historically progressive roots toward a self-described 'classical' model of education, drawing national headlines.
The ceremony was largely without conflict, except during the keynote address by Harvard law professor emeritus Alan Dershowitz, who was also awarded an honorary doctorate of law. His speech praised New College as a 'revolutionary' example of higher education pushing back against political correctness and identity-based programs.
'You are such a fortunate group to be part of a revolutionary movement starting right here,' Dershowitz said. 'New College is standing tall against political correctness... and saving higher education from propaganda instead of mutual, objective teaching.'
While praising curious and neutral learning, Dershowitz was interrupted when a graduating student asked 'Then why remove women's and gender studies?'
The comment drew soft cheers and rumbles from one section of the crowd. Dershowitz directly addressed the student and criticized schools that have established academic departments focused on gender and identity studies, one of the many reasons New College alumni have historically gravitated to the school.
Later, a single audience member raised a middle finger in response to Dershowitz's remarks about meritocracy and his critique of New College's reduced international student presence.
Alumna April Flanke offered a more personal message to graduates.
Flanke called the journey of the Class of 2025 'unique, heightened, individually challenging, life-changing."
'A lot of your friends, a lot of your mentors left,' she said. 'But you are here today because you stayed... You did it. You made it. And you demanded your personalized liberal arts education. That education is the beating heart of New College — and what we will stick through.'
For student speaker Sarafari Svenson, the celebration was as much about survival as it was about success.
'Every graduate here carries their own story of hurt. A story of sacrifice. A story of setbacks and defeats. But more than anything, a story of success,' Svenson said. She shared her personal story of experiencing homelessness, poverty and health issues before arriving at New College, calling the journey a testament to perseverance.
Graduates and student athletes Jordan Clark, 24, and Jack Scott, 23, both earned athletic scholarships and transferred into New College last year amid the ongoing changes, including the implementation of the school's first sports and athletics department.
Clark, a Sarasota native and Booker High School graduate, returned to the area from an out-of-state school. He was surrounded by family Friday evening as he crossed the New College commencement stage.
While being a part of the inaugural Mighty Banyans Men's Basketball Team this year, Clarke earned a degree in economics. Clark plans to live in the Sarasota area and work in investment banking.
"It's been a good year. I'm from here. I was at a school in Georgia, then I transferred back because I wanted to be close to home. I loved it (here)," Clark said. "Even though it was a new program, I feel like me being from here made it all manageable."
Scott, also a transfer student, was similarly surrounded by family at Friday's commencement.
"I transferred in from Palm Beach Atlantic. Here we had a good fun season. We had to fight through some stuff, we didn't have our own gym this season, but we made it work," said Scott. "Sports always unite people. I think it gives us all something to root for, the student body to root for."
New College of Florida awarded diplomas to 155 students at the 2025 commencement.
Samantha Gholar covers social justice, wellness, and culture across Florida for the USA Today Network. She's passionate about telling stories that challenge power and elevate voices often left out of the mainstream. Outside the newsroom, you can find her on the mat teaching Pilates or planning her next wellness adventure. Got a tip or story idea? Reach out at sgholar@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: New College of Florida commencement Alan Dershowitz
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