N

orthwest Florida State College hosted its 54th Annual Commencement 
Ceremonies on May 4 at the Raider Arena on the College’s Niceville 
Campus. For the 2018-2019 academic year, which included summer, fall 
and spring semesters, there were 1,616 students eligible to graduate and 

550 students were expected to walk in the ceremonies. After the morning ceremony a 
VIP luncheon was held in a nearby room for special invited guests, the speakers of the 
event and the board members of the college. The speakers for the 54th ceremonies were 
Dr. Joan Davis, senior vice president administration and policy for the Louisiana State 
Community College System, and Kathy Hebda, chancellor of the Florida College System. 

During the Luncheon, Dr. Stephenson introduced his new faculty members, presented 

some beautiful art work to the speakers and welcomed his special guests. Dr Joan Davis, 
Kathy Hebda and Joyce Gossom took time to address the guests at the luncheon, and 
thanked Dr. Stevenson for the lovely gifts, and the opportunity to serve as keynote 
speakers.

photos & story by

Zhalman Harris

   VIP Destin at NWF College Raiders Arena

NWFSC 54th Annual

Commencement VIP Luncheon

36     |    VIPDestinMagazine.com

Lois & Bernard Johnson

Bridgette Watson, Nicole Cochran, Ally Householder, Rosemary Riggs & Sarah Erickson

Dr. Devin Stepheson, Shane Abbott, Brian Pennington, Lori Kelly, Charlotte Flint, Rudy Wright & Maj. Gen. Don Litke Ret.

Shane Abbott & Cristie Kedroski

Korah Warner & Alexas Hall 

Judy Stephenson & Charlotte Flint

36-37 Event_NWFLuncheon_June19.indd   1

5/30/19   12:58 PM