Commencement - Beacon College
Source: http://www.beaconcollege.edu/news-media/commencement
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Commencement - Beacon College
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Founded in 1989, Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, stands as a shining beacon of hope and opportunity for students with learning disabilities.
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Get college-ready this summer with our Summer Bundle!
Combine virtual college readiness counseling with one of our on campus summer immersion programs and receive $2,000 off. You’ll get 1:1 college readiness prep and an unforgettable summer, all in one.
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Intellectual challenge is at the heart of a Beacon education. We take this very seriously, but we are also very practical about it. Our 10 bachelor’s degree programs are intended to prepare our students to find worthy work in today’s global marketplace. Additionally, we encourage students to explore their diverse interests through one or more of our 17 minors.
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Men’s Basketball
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Student Life
“Pursuing the life abundant” is the pervading theme that infuses everything we do at Beacon College. It’s something we take very seriously indeed.
At Beacon, you’ll be able to be the most that you can be. Both within the classroom and far beyond it, we nurture a vivacious learning laboratory that calls upon you to seek and cherish all of life’s richness.
News & Events
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Lighting the Path Newsletter
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Commencement
Graduation
Beacon College’s Spring Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa, 3003 Brownwood Blvd., The Villages, Florida.
Registrar’s Office
Academic Calendars
Alumni
Career Preparation
Info for Students
For the Spring Commencement ceremony, all graduates must arrive at the venue no later than 9:30 a.m. for check-in, portrait photograph session, and line-up in preparation for the ceremony.
Doors will open up at 10:15 a.m. for guests of the ceremony.
Graduation will begin promptly at 11 a.m.
A professional photographer will be present to take a studio portrait of each graduate before the ceremony and photographs of each graduate receiving their diploma from President Hagerty. Family and friends are welcome to take pictures with their graduates before and after the ceremony.
Accommodations
If you are looking for hotel accommodations, the Brownwood Hotel & Spa has set up a room block just for Beacon’s graduation. Make your reservation online at
Brownwood Hotel & Spa (travelclick.com)
. Or call the hotel directly at
352-626-1246
, and ask for the Beacon College Graduation block.
These
nearby hotels
also offer Beacon College rates.
Honorary Doctorate Recipients
At commencement, we are humbled to honor movers and shakers who have made a difference and personify the mission and values of Beacon College through the recognition of an Honorary Doctorate degree. The honorary doctorate is routinely regarded as the highest form of recognition a university can bestow.
2025 Honorary Degree Recipient: Jason Eichenholz, Ph.D.
Recognized as a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and pioneer in laser and photonics optics-enabled innovation, Eichenholz is deeply committed to social enterprise and advocating for people of all abilities to see the best in themselves and bring the best out of the world around them.
With a Ph.D. in optical sciences and engineering from CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida, Eichenholz has spent more than 30 years at the forefront of transformative technologies. He holds over 90 U.S. patents and is recognized as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, SPIE, and Optica.
As the co-founder and former chief technology officer of Luminar Technologies, Eichenholz helped redefine autonomous vehicle safety with lidar technology. Under his leadership, Luminar became a publicly traded company on NASDAQ, raising approximately $1 billion in funding. His expertise in turning groundbreaking research into scalable solutions is now driving Relativity Networks’ mission to revolutionize fiber optics with hollow core fiber technology and tackling one of the most urgent challenges in the AI era: the power scaling problem.
One of his life’s passions is Jonathan’s Landing Foundation (JLF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build the world’s most comprehensive residential community for adults with autism. Headquartered in Orlando and operating nationally, JLF is developing housing for 500 adults and generating 5,000 meaningful jobs through a bold live-work model. Starting with careers in tech through
Techtonic
the foundation’s first groundbreaking social enterprise is designed to set a new standard for opportunity and independence.
2025 Honorary Degree Recipient: Roy Haley
Haley is a successful businessman and philanthropist whose generosity has transformed lives in Central Florida for decades.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Haley went on to build an impressive business career, holding leadership positions that included partnership at Arthur Andersen, chief operating officer at American General Corporation, and chairman and chief executive officer of Fortune 500 company, WESCO, for 14 years. His expertise in supply chain management, logistics and financial services led to service on numerous corporate boards, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, many nonprofit boards and as a trustee at Carnegie Mellon University.
Although Haley shies away from the spotlight, his significant philanthropy has altered the trajectory of many institutions – most notably, Orlando Health and Beacon College. The commitment of he and his wife, Dee, is felt through their support of The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and the creation of the Haley Center for Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders.
At Beacon College, Haley’s impact has been profound. He established the Beacon Scholars program, providing much-needed financial assistance to students with significant financial need, and provided significant support for Beacon’s growing capital presence in downtown Leesburg. He is deeply committed to ensuring Beacon students find meaningful careers, even personally facilitating paid internships for them at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, providing invaluable opportunities for growth and career development.
Past Honorary Degree Recipients
2011: Bambi Lockman
Former chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services in the Florida Department of Education
2012: Dr. Alexa Posny
Former assistant secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and former director of the U.S. Education Department’s Office of Special Education Programs
2013: Dr. John M. Hutchinson
Former interim president of Beacon College
2016: Rep. Daniel A. Webster
U.S. Representative
2017: Sen. Tom Harkin
Former U.S. Senator and architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act
2018: Sheikha Jameela Al-Qasimi
Director general of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (United Arab Emirates)
2018: Sen. Andrew and Camille Gardiner
Former Florida State Senate President and disability advocates
2019: Dr. Charles Vert Willie
Professor of education, emeritus, at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
2019: James T. Brett
National disability advocate and former Massachusetts legislator
2021: Dr. Marsha Glines
Beacon College founding president
2022: Jhillika Kumar
A social impact entrepreneur, diversity and inclusion community builder, and advocate for disability empowerment
2022: Dr. Harold “Hackie” Reitman
Founder of Different Brains/PCE Media providing neurodivergent interns over the age of 18 opportunities to develop social and job skills
2023: Dr. Temple Grandin
A distinguished scientist who notably transformed the design of livestock facilities. Author of more than 400 scientific journals on livestock practices and over 25 books on autism.
2024: John "Jack" Horner
Recognized as a world-renowned paleontologist best known for his groundbreaking research on dinosaur growth.
2024: Richard O. Williams, Ph.D.
While his work as a molecular biologist and entrepreneur is impressive, what is truly exceptional about Williams is his devotion to autism research, which has greatly benefited families navigating the journey of learning differences.
Apply Today
Request Info
Plan a Visit
© 2026 Beacon College.
Web Design
by
PHOS Creative
Sitemap
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Title VI
Title IX
About
Why Beacon
Why Beacon?
Beacon by the Numbers
The Life Abundant
Leadership
President Hagerty
Leadership
Presidential Search
Campus & Community
Our Campus
Our Community
Bookstore
Mason Art Gallery
Directory
Accreditation
Strategic Plan
Policies
Student Handbook
Title VI
Title IX
Reasonable Modification Policy
Disabilities Accommodations Policy
Family Guide
Privacy Policy
Clery Report
About
Founded in 1989, Beacon College in Leesburg, Florida, stands as a shining beacon of hope and opportunity for students with learning disabilities.
Admissions & Aid
Learn More & Apply
Apply
New Students
Transfer Students
International Students
Homeschooled Students
Parents and Families
Educators
Admitted Students
Affordability
Tuition & Fees
Scholarships
Financial Aid
Financial Aid FAQs
Other Financial Resources
CARES Act
Get to Know Us
Admissions Events
Plan a Visit
Meet the Admissions Staff
Download Brochures
Request Information
New Student Orientation
Admissions & Aid
Join us on campus for one of our upcoming Open House events! We invite you to experience the personalized support, vibrant campus life, and academic excellence that make Beacon College the ideal choice for students with learning differences.
Register Now >
College Readiness
Programs & Options
Summer for Success
College Edge
Navigator PREP
Intro to College Academics
Dual Enrollment
Beacon Foundations
Resources & Tools
Choosing the Right Program
Meet the Experts
Free Downloadable Tools
Webinar Recordings
Partnerships
Partner With Us
Certificate in Coaching Adolescents
Neurodiversity in Higher Ed Certificate
College Readiness
Get college-ready this summer with our Summer Bundle!
Combine virtual college readiness counseling with one of our on campus summer immersion programs and receive $2,000 off. You’ll get 1:1 college readiness prep and an unforgettable summer, all in one.
Learn More
Academics
Academic Programs
Anthrozoology
Business Management
Hospitality and Tourism
Computer Information Systems
Design and Digital Media
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Humanities
Human Services
Psychology
Studio Arts
Minors
Success & Support Services
Academic Advising
Academic Support
Career Preparation
Career Treks
Internships
Study Abroad
Resources
Course Catalog
Academic Calendars
Registrar’s Office
Academics
Intellectual challenge is at the heart of a Beacon education. We take this very seriously, but we are also very practical about it. Our 10 bachelor’s degree programs are intended to prepare our students to find worthy work in today’s global marketplace. Additionally, we encourage students to explore their diverse interests through one or more of our 17 minors.
Student Life
Campus Life
Life at Beacon
First Year Experience
Housing
Dining Services
Transportation
Health and Wellness
Safety
Activities
Activities and Clubs
Fitness and Recreation
Athletics
Athletics
Men’s Basketball
Women’s Basketball
Cross Country and Track
Golf
Student Life
“Pursuing the life abundant” is the pervading theme that infuses everything we do at Beacon College. It’s something we take very seriously indeed.
At Beacon, you’ll be able to be the most that you can be. Both within the classroom and far beyond it, we nurture a vivacious learning laboratory that calls upon you to seek and cherish all of life’s richness.
News & Events
News & Media
News and Updates
Lighting the Path Newsletter
A World of Difference
Office of Communications
Events
Salon Series
Family Weekend
Alumni Weekend
Commencement
News & Events
We are committed to keeping you up to date. Check out current news, media, and upcoming events from Beacon College.
Quick Links
Parents
Students
Educators
Alumni
Visit Campus
Request Information
Apply
Give
Portals
Canvas
MyBeacon
Parent Portal
Online Bill Pay
Faculty/Staff E-Flame
Faculty/Staff MyBeacon
Directory
Library
Commencement
Home
News & Events
Commencement
Graduation
Beacon College’s Spring Commencement will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Brownwood Hotel & Spa, 3003 Brownwood Blvd., The Villages, Florida.
Registrar’s Office
Academic Calendars
Alumni
Career Preparation
Info for Students
For the Spring Commencement ceremony, all graduates must arrive at the venue no later than 9:30 a.m. for check-in, portrait photograph session, and line-up in preparation for the ceremony.
Doors will open up at 10:15 a.m. for guests of the ceremony.
Graduation will begin promptly at 11 a.m.
A professional photographer will be present to take a studio portrait of each graduate before the ceremony and photographs of each graduate receiving their diploma from President Hagerty. Family and friends are welcome to take pictures with their graduates before and after the ceremony.
Accommodations
If you are looking for hotel accommodations, the Brownwood Hotel & Spa has set up a room block just for Beacon’s graduation. Make your reservation online at
Brownwood Hotel & Spa (travelclick.com)
. Or call the hotel directly at
352-626-1246
, and ask for the Beacon College Graduation block.
These
nearby hotels
also offer Beacon College rates.
Honorary Doctorate Recipients
At commencement, we are humbled to honor movers and shakers who have made a difference and personify the mission and values of Beacon College through the recognition of an Honorary Doctorate degree. The honorary doctorate is routinely regarded as the highest form of recognition a university can bestow.
2025 Honorary Degree Recipient: Jason Eichenholz, Ph.D.
Recognized as a serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and pioneer in laser and photonics optics-enabled innovation, Eichenholz is deeply committed to social enterprise and advocating for people of all abilities to see the best in themselves and bring the best out of the world around them.
With a Ph.D. in optical sciences and engineering from CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida, Eichenholz has spent more than 30 years at the forefront of transformative technologies. He holds over 90 U.S. patents and is recognized as a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, SPIE, and Optica.
As the co-founder and former chief technology officer of Luminar Technologies, Eichenholz helped redefine autonomous vehicle safety with lidar technology. Under his leadership, Luminar became a publicly traded company on NASDAQ, raising approximately $1 billion in funding. His expertise in turning groundbreaking research into scalable solutions is now driving Relativity Networks’ mission to revolutionize fiber optics with hollow core fiber technology and tackling one of the most urgent challenges in the AI era: the power scaling problem.
One of his life’s passions is Jonathan’s Landing Foundation (JLF), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build the world’s most comprehensive residential community for adults with autism. Headquartered in Orlando and operating nationally, JLF is developing housing for 500 adults and generating 5,000 meaningful jobs through a bold live-work model. Starting with careers in tech through
Techtonic
the foundation’s first groundbreaking social enterprise is designed to set a new standard for opportunity and independence.
2025 Honorary Degree Recipient: Roy Haley
Haley is a successful businessman and philanthropist whose generosity has transformed lives in Central Florida for decades.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Haley went on to build an impressive business career, holding leadership positions that included partnership at Arthur Andersen, chief operating officer at American General Corporation, and chairman and chief executive officer of Fortune 500 company, WESCO, for 14 years. His expertise in supply chain management, logistics and financial services led to service on numerous corporate boards, the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, many nonprofit boards and as a trustee at Carnegie Mellon University.
Although Haley shies away from the spotlight, his significant philanthropy has altered the trajectory of many institutions – most notably, Orlando Health and Beacon College. The commitment of he and his wife, Dee, is felt through their support of The Howard Phillips Center for Children & Families, the Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, and the creation of the Haley Center for Children’s Cancer & Blood Disorders.
At Beacon College, Haley’s impact has been profound. He established the Beacon Scholars program, providing much-needed financial assistance to students with significant financial need, and provided significant support for Beacon’s growing capital presence in downtown Leesburg. He is deeply committed to ensuring Beacon students find meaningful careers, even personally facilitating paid internships for them at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas, providing invaluable opportunities for growth and career development.
Past Honorary Degree Recipients
2011: Bambi Lockman
Former chief of the Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services in the Florida Department of Education
2012: Dr. Alexa Posny
Former assistant secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services and former director of the U.S. Education Department’s Office of Special Education Programs
2013: Dr. John M. Hutchinson
Former interim president of Beacon College
2016: Rep. Daniel A. Webster
U.S. Representative
2017: Sen. Tom Harkin
Former U.S. Senator and architect of the Americans with Disabilities Act
2018: Sheikha Jameela Al-Qasimi
Director general of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (United Arab Emirates)
2018: Sen. Andrew and Camille Gardiner
Former Florida State Senate President and disability advocates
2019: Dr. Charles Vert Willie
Professor of education, emeritus, at the Harvard Graduate School of Education
2019: James T. Brett
National disability advocate and former Massachusetts legislator
2021: Dr. Marsha Glines
Beacon College founding president
2022: Jhillika Kumar
A social impact entrepreneur, diversity and inclusion community builder, and advocate for disability empowerment
2022: Dr. Harold “Hackie” Reitman
Founder of Different Brains/PCE Media providing neurodivergent interns over the age of 18 opportunities to develop social and job skills
2023: Dr. Temple Grandin
A distinguished scientist who notably transformed the design of livestock facilities. Author of more than 400 scientific journals on livestock practices and over 25 books on autism.
2024: John "Jack" Horner
Recognized as a world-renowned paleontologist best known for his groundbreaking research on dinosaur growth.
2024: Richard O. Williams, Ph.D.
While his work as a molecular biologist and entrepreneur is impressive, what is truly exceptional about Williams is his devotion to autism research, which has greatly benefited families navigating the journey of learning differences.
Apply Today
Request Info
Plan a Visit
© 2026 Beacon College.
Web Design
by
PHOS Creative
Sitemap
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Title VI
Title IX