Florida Senator Osgood inspires Polk State students to overcome adversity, get involved

Hundreds of students, staff, faculty, and community members packed Polk State College’s Winter Haven Fine Arts Building on Thursday to celebrate Constitution Day. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution and reaffirms the importance of civic engagement and civil discourse.

Florida Senator Dr. Rosalind Osgood (D) was the keynote speaker for the festivities on the Winter Haven Campus. U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds (R) served as keynote in the morning on the Lakeland Campus.

First elected to the Florida Senate in 2022, Osgood serves the state’s 32nd Senate District in Broward County. Osgood shared that 36 years ago, she was battling homelessness and addiction. Her first elected position was as a member of the Broward County School Board. As Osgood ran for her seat, her opponent used her past to campaign against her.

“If my opponent walked two hours, I walked four,” Osgood recalled. “I had to win with 70 or 80% of the vote and that’s what I did. I could relate to the students who were struggling. I could relate to the parents who were struggling.”

A native of Broward County, Osgood is one of the state’s most respected voices in education, public administration, faith-based service, and state governance. In addition to a bachelor’s degree, Osgood holds master’s and doctoral degrees in public administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Along with her public service, Osgood serves as the CEO of the Mount Olive Development Corporation – a nonprofit dedicated to addressing social determinants of health in Broward’s most underserved areas.

“Democracy ultimately depends on us,” Osgood urged to the students. “You can sit on the sidelines and complain, or you can participate and use the gifts and talents God has given you to make a difference. They’re all needed; one does not supersede the others.”

Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas and the College’s Presidential Ambassadors presented Osgood with a crystal eagle as a token of their appreciation for her willingness to share her insights with students on Constitution Day.

“Giving her perspective as a person who overcame so many challenges and adversity was truly eye opening,” Presidential Ambassador Da’Nyra Richardson said. “Because of those challenges, she was able to provide perspective the legislature otherwise wouldn’t have had. It shows you can always change your life, no matter the hand you’re dealt, because of the Constitution.”

Polk State’s Constitution Day festivities coincided with Kamoutsas’ Where Eagles Soar initiative. Kamoutsas shared his vision for the College – specifically his first 90 days – which is built on preparing students for meaningful careers; ensuring that each student has the opportunity to achieve greatness; and developing responsible citizens who contribute to their communities.

“Thank you so much, Mr. President, for having me today,” Osgood said to Kamoutsas. “Thank you, students, for having my back and showing up and coming out here today. Thank you for allowing me, a person in recovery and 36 years clean from drugs and alcohol struggling on the streets, to come and give you a living epistle of the what the American way is – the community, my rights, my laws, the opportunity to recover, rebuild, restore, to participate in this democracy. May we continue working together toward a nation in which the promise of ‘we the people’ belongs to all people.”

In August, the Polk State Board of Trustees adopted an institutional neutrality statement, maintaining that the College keeps a neutral position on matters related to its operations and core business – education – while promoting intellectual diversity, freedom of inquiry, and civil discourse.

“Senator Osgood’s participation in Constitution Day provided our students with an important opportunity to hear directly from a public servant and engage with ideas about our Constitution, our government, and the responsibilities that come with being an American citizen,” Kamoutsas said. “At Polk State, we believe higher education should be a place where students are encouraged to ask questions, consider different perspectives, and think critically for themselves. Conversations like this strengthen our commitment to intellectual freedom and help prepare our students to be informed and engaged citizens.”

The Moccasin Battalion, Polk State’s ROTC Program hosted by Florida Southern College in partnership with Southeastern University, kicked off the festivities with the presentation of colors. Presidential Ambassador Christopher Jean-Pierre then led the Pledge of Allegiance.

“Today, as we celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, we’re recognizing this important day while supporting one of President Stasi’s priorities: giving students and the College community opportunities to learn about civil discourse, civic engagement, and the importance of being active participants in our democracy,” Jean Pierre said.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Captain Rob McManus provided the welcome, then Kamoutsas introduced Osgood to take centerstage.

“Events like this are an opportunity to come together, listen, learn, and engage in the spirit of civil discourse,” McManus said.