CFK awards honorary degree to alumnus from inaugural class

Pictured left (left to right): Dr. Lana Gaspari, Vice President, Advancement and Executive Director, CFK Foundation, Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, CFK President & CEO, Mario Rivera, Lois Rodriguez Rivera, Aidan A. Rivera-Rogers (grandson), and Monique E. Rivera (daughter). Pictured right: Mario Rivera and Lois Rodriguez Rivera wear The College of the Florida Keys alumni shirts.

​KEY WEST, FL, January 23, 2026— The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) marked a milestone in its 60 years of impact by awarding an honorary degree to Mario Rivera, one of the institution's first graduates. Mr. Rivera's journey exemplifies the College's transformative power, and his success helped pave the way for thousands of students who followed. 
 
Mr. Rivera graduated in 1969 with an Associate of Arts degree in Physical Education from what was then Florida Keys Junior College. CFK President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra presented him with an Honorary Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management in recognition of his contributions to his profession, community, and the College.
 
“When Monroe Junior College opened in 1965, students like Mr. Rivera, for the first time, could earn a college degree without having to relocate or commute to the mainland,” Gueverra said.
 
Mr. Rivera went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Florida before beginning his career as a high school teacher and baseball coach. He later built a successful career in insurance and became a published author.
 
His wife, Lois Rodriguez Rivera, graduated from the College with a Secretarial Certificate in 1970 and enjoyed a successful career in the financial and mortgage industry. Mrs. Rivera continues to enjoy her passion for art and spends time painting commissioned works that celebrate island life in Key West.
 
“These two alumni are powerful ambassadors of the College and influencers in our society,” Gueverra said. “We look to our alumni to shine brightly and to share their CFK experience and success with the world.”
 
For more information about CFK’s 60th Anniversary events and news, visit: https://www.cfk.edu/60/.