Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan will speak at Florida State University's commencement for the colleges of Fine Arts, Communication and Information, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Social Work and Music Saturday at 7 p.m.
In a preview of her remarks, Florida Politics has learned that she will talk about a number of topics, including her family, her time at FSU, and Seminoles football coach Mike Norvell.
And along the way, she will encourage recent grads to take a trip east on Interstate 10 and consider Jacksonville for their homes.
Among the ruminations on her family will be a discussion of its legacy at FSU, where one of her children followed in her collegiate footsteps, illustrating that despite being platformed to speak, it wasn't that long ago the Mayor was one of the parents in attendance herself.
"As I look out over this sea of beautiful people, I'm reminded of my son Drew's graduation back in 2017. I was one of those parents with the cell phone, trying to find him in the crowd. Screaming inappropriately when he crossed the stage and videoing every step. I'm proud to say he's here with me tonight. And it goes without saying, since my daughter decided to attend college at what I affectionately call 'the evil empire,' Drew is in fact my favorite child," Deegan said, joking about the University of Florida in Gainesville along the way.
Deegan will also reference the man who brought the Seminoles football program back to relevance nationally also.
"It takes a great deal of practice, a gratitude for everything that comes. But to be unconquered doesn't mean to always get what we want, Coach Norvell could host a clinic on that – to be unconquered means to ultimately embrace what we get."
Additionally, she is expected to urge graduates to "consider Jacksonville when you're looking for a place to set down roots."
"I am working every day to make it a destination city that new graduates will be proud to call home, and I could use a lot more garnet and gold in my life."
Finally, she is likely to close on an aspirational note.
"When you walk out of here tonight, carry love with you. Fear is a liar meant to keep you down. And no matter what may come your way, instead of judging it, just stay curious. The unconquered spirit will light your path."
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