Miami, FL — SABER College marked a historic and deeply moving milestone on the evening of May 14, 2025, as it held its first-ever joint commencement ceremony honoring graduates from the Associate of Science in Nursing and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) programs.

The ceremony brought together 74 graduates—44 from the Nursing program and 30 from the PTA program—along with their families, friends, faculty, and staff. It was an evening filled with pride, emotion, and a profound sense of accomplishment, celebrating not only academic excellence but also the resilience and determination that brought each student to this moment.

The event opened with a heartfelt address from Academic Dean Amarilis Somoza, who acknowledged the challenges students had overcome—balancing work, school, and family—on their journey to graduation. Her words set the tone for the evening: a celebration of effort, purpose, and transformation.

Keynote speaker Robert Bonds, CEO of the Aquinas Network and a longstanding partner of SABER College, delivered a powerful and memorable speech encouraging graduates to push beyond their limits and embrace their strength. “Don’t wait. Start it down. Get that out of the way. Never accept defeat. But if you fail, pick yourself up and push again,” he said. His message resonated with students who had experienced the real pressures of adult life while pursuing their degrees. Many nodded and smiled, recognizing themselves in his words.

The Nursing and PTA programs at SABER College are both academically rigorous and career-driven. The Nursing program spans 22 months and includes classroom instruction, simulation labs, and clinical rotations in diverse healthcare settings. The PTA program is completed in 20 months and prepares students to assist in patient rehabilitation and recovery through hands-on, evidence-based care. Both programs emphasize small class sizes, personalized instruction, and practical training in state-of-the-art facilities.

While the Nursing and PTA programs are delivered entirely in English, SABER also offers an online ESOL Program to support students who need to strengthen their language skills before beginning professional studies. This commitment to accessibility and inclusion reflects the college’s mission to ensure that language is never a barrier to opportunity.

The ceremony continued with two powerful and symbolic transitions into the healthcare field. The PTA Pinning Ceremony and Oath, led by Program Director Karen Arocha, PT, MS, marked the graduates' official entry into the profession. The Nursing Pinning and Lighting Candle Ceremony, led by Director Pavel Pugh, MSN, APRN, honored the legacy of Florence Nightingale and symbolized the care and compassion each nurse brings to their patients. As the nursing graduates lit their candles and recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, the room fell silent—a moment of dignity and solemn promise.

Students were also recognized for academic and clinical achievement, leadership, and perseverance. These awards celebrated not only excellence in performance but also the dedication and personal growth students demonstrated throughout their time at SABER College.

Graduates Elizabeth Glaria (Nursing), Daniela Caballe, and Mariliz Vicente Oliva (PTA) delivered moving speeches on behalf of the Class of 2025. Their reflections brought warmth and authenticity to the ceremony, highlighting the shared struggles, friendships, and victories that defined their student experience.

Adding a vibrant and deeply personal touch to the celebration were the decorated graduation caps, many of which featured heartfelt messages and creative artwork. From butterflies and glitter to phrases like “Mamá, I made it,” “PTA Mode Activated,” and “Survived SABER College with no sleep, zero money, and a slightly broken soul… but hey, I earned these savage letters: RN,” the caps told stories of sacrifice, strength, and well-earned pride.

The evening concluded with closing remarks from Program Directors Karen Arocha and Pavel Pugh, who congratulated the graduates and reminded them of the responsibility and impact that come with their new roles. Diplomas were then officially conferred, and the room filled with cheers as graduates crossed the stage—many of them the first in their families to do so. Faculty members beamed with pride, family members embraced their loved ones, and young children watched their parents achieve something extraordinary.

It was more than a ceremony—it was a celebration of transformation. Each graduate’s success reflected not only academic achievement but also courage, perseverance, and a belief in something better.

To the Class of 2025: be proud of your journey, and always remember—you can come back home. Congratulations, graduates.

For more information about SABER College and its academic programs, visit www.sabercollege.edu.

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