South College Orlando celebrates its largest graduating class

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 12, 2026

South College celebrated the graduation of nearly 300 healthcare students at a ceremony held on June 12 at Faith Church Orlando. The commencement ceremony, the largest in campus history, included remarks from radiography graduate Zion Alexander, one of just two Florida students selected to join the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) student leadership development program.

“Radiography is basically the eyes of medicine,” Alexander said. “In highly critical situations, radiography plays a vital role on the front lines by helping physicians better understand what may be happening within a patient’s body. As radiologic technologists, we work with urgency and precision to produce accurate imaging when timely decisions can directly impact patient care.”

Alexander was among more than 20 graduates to earn an Associate of Science in Radiography. More than 150 graduates completed an Associate of Science in Nursing or Health Science (Pre-Nursing). Approximately 20 graduates earned a Bachelor of Science in Health Science or Nursing; other graduates completed degree programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Respiratory Therapy, Surgical Technology, or Health Science (Pre-Pharmacy), or certificate programs in Medical Assisting or Practical Nursing.

“This large graduation ceremony for South College Orlando demonstrates the growth we’ve seen among both first-time students and those returning to further advance their education,” South College Chancellor Steve South said. “We applaud our graduates for the dedication to reach this milestone and wish them continued success as they pursue their professional ambitions.”

Alexander marks just one of many South College graduates to demonstrate resilience and perseverance to meet this achievement.

Cyd Valle balanced the responsibilities of being a single mother with her academic goals and also faced personal obstacles that could have easily discouraged her from continuing. Despite these challenges, Valle remained committed to her goals and successfully completed the nursing program while serving as a work-study student. She passed the NCLEX exam on the first attempt and is currently working full-time at a hospital in Central Florida.

Bailee Gourley experienced the devastating loss of her stepmother while pursuing the Associate of Science in Nursing program but remained focused and dedicated and successfully progressed through all courses on her first attempt.

Graduates heard from keynote speaker Judy Colorado, RN, BSN, MA, NEA-BC, assistant vice president and chief nursing officer for Orlando Health. A seasoned nursing executive, Colorado’s contributions in healthcare leadership, hospital operations and patient care have been nationally and internationally recognized. She was among 21 nurses worldwide recognized at the United Nations in 2019 for nurses with a global impact.

South College Orlando, which opened in November 2021, is located at 6649 Westwood Blvd., Suite 100. Healthcare-related programs offered at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s programs include areas such as Health Science, Imaging Science, Medical Assisting, Physician Assistant Studies, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy and Surgical Technology.

For more information about South College Orlando visit south.edu/orlando.

South College offers more than 150 academic programs and concentrations at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online and through Competency-Based Education (CBE).

To learn more about South College, visit south.edu.

About South College

South College serves more than 20,000 students and is proud of its more than 20,000 graduates. The institution offers academic programs at multiple levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctoral degree programs via campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta and Marietta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Dallas, Texas; and Orlando, Florida, as well as Online. South College focuses on ensuring high standards and quality educational offerings, maintaining multiple authorizations and accreditations.

South College’s programs span diverse fields such as business, criminal justice, education, dental hygiene/assisting, diagnostic medical sonography, nursing, occupational therapy, paralegal studies, physical therapy, radiography, respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, pharmacy and surgical technology. The institution is dedicated to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed for the professional opportunities ahead of them. For more information, visit south.edu.