Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) celebrated more than 600 graduates last week at its 2023 spring commencement, which took place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in downtown West Palm Beach.
The ceremony began with music by the PBA Percussion and Brass ensemble. During commencement, President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn recognized the class of 2023 and recent milestones at the university.
“This year’s theme was Rejoice Always, and what better time to rejoice than now as wecelebrate your many years of hard work and the futures that lie ahead of you,” said President Schwinn. “This past fall, we welcomed 844 students, the largest incoming class in PBA’s history. Our students have now served over 3.8 million Workship hours. Think about the impact this has made on the community and around the world.”
University leadership also honored several unique accomplishments, including Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) graduate Sam Miltner, who now ranks as a cadet commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve; four winners of the Fulbright program, a prestigious award that gives students the opportunity to pursue lecturing and research efforts abroad; and eight outstanding graduates who made significant achievements in academics (including earning a 3.5 GPA or higher), student life, and community service while at PBA.
Lilah Castle, outstanding graduate for the School of Education and Behavioral Studies, shared a few remarks.
“I’m becoming a better teacher every day because of the support and counsel of my professors,” said Castle, who completed PBA’s rigorous honors program and studied abroad at Oxford. “PBA encourages their students to explore all opportunities [and we receive] constant encouragement from professors and friends. These resources will allow us to enhance the world around us in our chosen fields, churches, families, and communities.”
After the graduates walked the stage, President Schwinn gave a final word of encouragement.
“Your education doesn’t end here,” she said. “We can all be lifelong learners. Regardless of what your future looks like, you have the ability to serve and honor God with it.”
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 55 undergraduate degrees, numerous graduate degrees and professional degrees in nursing and pharmacy, with a 29-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus. The University is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.
Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. The 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. As a Christ-first university, PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system.
