Eleven students with intellectual differences graduated May 6 from the University of North Florida through The Arc Jacksonville’s On Campus Transition college experience program.
For the first time since the program’s inception in 2006, these students were included in the traditional UNF commencement ceremony and walked alongside their peers at graduation. Previously, students in the program graduated in a small ceremony, separate from the rest of the UNF graduating class.
UNF student Analysse Gammon, began volunteering with The Arc Jacksonville and served as a “best buddy” for student Matt. Gammon decided that she wanted to advocate for Matt and all other students in the program to be included in graduation.
“Every part of OCT students’ experience at UNF was inclusive until graduation,” she said. “I asked my professors how we could change that and started working to have UNF include OCT students in graduation.”
Gammon started a petition and obtained more than 700 signatures, as well as letters of support from dozens of UNF professors. In 2020, UNF faculty voted to allow the students to participate in the commencement ceremony moving forward.
The 2022 graduating class included Rebecca Barnett, Christian Bloomfield, Kestrel Bush, Alec Pequignot, Marston Weiss, Dorian Patterson, Henry Curran, Ja’nya Jordan, Madeline (Maddie) McQuade, Maxwell (Max) Kren and Jared McGhee.
“My favorite thing about OCT was being on campus and my mentors; I enjoyed taking UNF classes.” said Christian Bloomfield, who has already secured community employment starting this summer.
Since 2006, 78 students have graduated from the program, many of whom traveled from across the country to participate in it. During the 2021-22 school year, 29 students were enrolled.
“I cannot express how very proud I am of the 2022 graduates of the On Campus Transition program,” said Ethel Still-Richardson, Educational Services Director at The Arc Jacksonville. “My heart is full, as it was a beautiful day for inclusion.”
