Commencement Address

Past Chairman and CEO, NeoGenomics

10 am

Timothy Cartwright

Fifth Avenue Family Office, Partner and Co-Founder

Tamiami Angel Funds, LLC, Chairman and Founder

Adrenaline Venture Fund, General Partner

Dear Graduates,

You have clearly distinguished yourself. Successfully completing your degree is a significant milestone, an accomplishment achieved by less than one-quarter of Americans for a bachelor’s degree and less than 15% for an advanced degree. Today’s milestone marks the culmination of a tremendous Florida Gulf Coast University experience, and the beginning of an exciting life journey ahead.

There has never been a better time to be alive than right now. Advances in science, technology and medicine are breathtaking, fostering innovation in business and healthcare. Of course, there are obstacles and challenges as there have been throughout human history. Humankind has overcome incredible difficulties, and we will continue to do so.

Today more than ever, you have an opportunity. Take care of yourself mentally and physically. Hone your skills and talents. Work collaboratively. Express gratitude. Be resilient. And most of all, stay true to your values. You will live healthier, happier and longer, and make our collective future even more promising than ever before.

Congratulations on your accomplishments, and best of luck as you continue your exciting life journey.

3 pm

Congratulations on your academic achievement!

During your time at Florida Gulf Coast University, I hope that you have enjoyed a full university experience by volunteering where you could, attending club or athletic events when you were able, and making lifelong friends everywhere you went.

You are now entering a time in your life’s arc which is full of adventure with great freedom to choose what you want. Yes, it can be scary to face the unknown because it is hard to visualize what you haven’t experienced yet. However, rely upon your own unique university experience as the foundation of good decision-making to build your self-confidence. You have accomplished a major lifetime milestone that you may have thought was unachievable just four years ago. When you walk across the stage and receive your diploma, remember to take a mental snapshot for yourself and give a radiant smile to your supporters in the audience.

Your home away from home for the last four years, FGCU, has prepared you well for your next step in your life’s journey. You have reached the point where you have made the investment in your degree and now you can start collecting your return on investment. Carpe diem, there has never been a better time in history to start your professional career. Go Eagles!