FORT PIERCE — Indian River State College (The River) will celebrate the achievements of its Summer and Fall 2025 graduates during commencement ceremonies on Dec. 17 and 18, 2025, at the Westside Center in Fort Pierce. The ceremonies will honor students who have completed their academic journeys and are ready to launch the next chapter of their lives. 

"Commencement is one of the most exciting days of the year for our entire college community," said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. "Watching our students walk across that stage—many who never thought college was possible—is a powerful reminder of what dedication and opportunity can achieve together. This is their moment, and we're thrilled to celebrate it with them and their families." 

Many of the associate degree graduates participated in The River's Promise Program, allowing them to graduate tuition-free without student debt. The graduating class also includes numerous first-generation college students who are the first in their families to earn a college degree. The Promise Program is sponsored by the Indian River State College Foundation and funded through generous donor philanthropy. 

EVENT DETAILS  

Location: Westside Center, 3361 S. Jenkins Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 

Ceremony Schedule:  

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 9:00 a.m. 

Associate Degrees & Certificates 

Commencement Speaker: Chris B. Williams, positive energy coach, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, best-selling co-author, and former ESPN analyst 

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 1:00 p.m. 

Associate Degrees & Certificates 

Commencement Speaker: Chris B. Williams 

Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 9:00 a.m.  

Bachelor's Degrees  

Commencement Speaker: The Honorable Robert Stone, Judge, Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court and Indian River State College alumnus 

Thursday, December 18, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.  

Nursing Degrees  

Commencement Speaker: Roseann Maresca, DNP, MSN, RN, PCCN, Indian River State College assistant professor and critical care nursing expert. 

NOTABLE SPEAKERS  

Judge Robert Stone serves on the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit Court and is a proud River alumnus. He earned his bachelor's degree from Indian River State College before obtaining his juris doctor from Barry University School of Law. Judge Stone was appointed to the bench by Governor Ron DeSantis in October 2025.  

Roseann Maresca, DNP, MSN, RN, PCCN, is an Assistant Professor at Indian River State College with nearly a decade of nursing education experience and over 17 years of critical care nursing expertise at Martin Memorial Health Systems. She brings a wealth of practical ICU experience and academic knowledge to her role as an educator, preparing the next generation of nursing professionals serving the Treasure Coast region. 

Chris B. Williams is a renowned positive energy coach and motivational speaker who inspires audiences with his dynamic approach to personal and professional growth.