Palm Beach State College commencement speaker and founder of multimillion-dollar Florida company calls the experience a “full circle moment” after being awarded an honorary degree by his alma mater

Palm Beach State College surprised Alexiou Gibson, the keynote speaker at PBSC’s Spring 2023 Commencement, with an honorary Bachelor of Applied Science degree presented at the ceremony. Gibson, a PBSC alumnus who founded The Transformation Factory, a multimillion-dollar Palm Beach County-based business, said he was overcome with emotion by the “recognition of his achievements with an honorary degree.” 

“It was a great surprise,” said Gibson after being awarded an honorary B.A.S. degree in Supervision and Management–Entrepreneurship at PBSC’s commencement ceremony held at The Ball Park of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, May 9. 

“Having President Parker present me with such a prestigious honor was a full circle moment for me,” said Gibson. “It was a gift to have the opportunity to give back to my alma mater and the faculty and people who poured life into me and supported me during my time at PBSC.” 

“It’s very clear that Alexiou values the difference that PBSC has made in his life,” said Ava L. Parker, J.D., president of PBSC. “Awarding Alexiou with an honorary bachelor’s degree was a special moment for our College to distinguish the extraordinary achievements of Alexiou as a visionary entrepreneur and PBSC alumnus,” added Parker.  

Gibson’s mother, Mavis Smith, a resident of Wellington, was in the audience to witness her son being awarded an honorary degree. “I had to step back to make sure that what I heard was real. It was an early Mother’s Day gift and a moment I will forever treasure,” said Smith. 

Gibson credits his mother for helping him realize his dreams by working multiple jobs as a single mom and instilling him with a strong work ethic and a sense of confidence. 

“I owe her everything,” said Gibson.