Polk State College will mark Constitution Day with two unique opportunities on September 17 for students and community members to engage with Senator Rosalind Osgood (D) and Congressman Byron Donalds (R). As part of Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas’s Where Eagles Soar initiative and his focus on civic engagement, the events will highlight the College’s longstanding tradition of fostering informed citizenship and constitutional values.
“We believe our students benefit immensely from hearing directly from elected officials,” Kamoutsas said. “Constitution Day offers a vital opportunity to reaffirm the importance of civic engagement, especially for our students who represent the next generation of leaders in Florida.”
Osgood will serve as the keynote speaker on the Winter Haven Campus in the Winter Haven Fine Arts (WFA) Lobby from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Donalds will serve as the keynote speaker on the Lakeland Campus in the Lakeland Technology Building (LTB) 1100 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Both events will include food for students with their Polk State IDs.
“As the nation celebrates America’s 250th anniversary, these gatherings offer a timely moment to reflect on the foundational principles of the republic and continuing relevance of the Constitution in contemporary life,” Kamoutsas said. “Participants will hear perspectives on the Constitution’s role in shaping public policy and American society, presented in a thoughtful, non-partisan setting.”
Senator Osgood
Dr. Osgood represents District 32 in the Florida Senate. A proud native of Broward County, Florida, Dr. Osgood has become one of the most respected voices in education, public administration, faith-based service and state governance.
Her educational journey reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and civic leadership. Dr. Osgood holds both a Master’s and Doctoral Degree in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. In pursuit of her calling to faith and service, she also earned a Master of Divinity from the ATS-accredited New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Her grounding in theology and governance positions her at the powerful intersection of policy, purpose and prophetic advocacy.
For over two decades, Dr. Osgood has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Mount Olive Development Corporation (MODCO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing social determinants of health in one of Broward County’s most underserved zip codes. Under her visionary leadership for the past 23 years, MODCO has grown into a cornerstone of the community, providing critical services in affordable housing, food security, senior wellness, financial literacy and addiction recovery empowerment. Her nonprofit work exemplifies a deep belief in community transformation through equity-driven systems and people-centered strategies.
Congressman Donalds
Donalds grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and is the proud son of a hardworking and loving single mother. His mother dedicated her time instilling in him that greatness requires sacrifice, which drives him as a devoted family man and U.S. Congressman.
He is a graduate of Florida State University and received a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing. His career led him to Southwest Florida, where he worked in the banking, finance and insurance industries.
Elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2016, Donalds represented Hendry County and east Collier County. He served as Chair of the PreK-12 Quality Subcommittee Chair during the 2018-2019 Legislative Session and as Chair of the Insurance and Banking Subcommittee during the 2019-2020 Legislative Session. His focus included elder affairs, criminal justice reform and ensuring that each child has access to a world-class education.
Donalds has served on the Board of Trustees for Florida SouthWestern State College. He continues to volunteer at his church as a youth leader and a mentor. He also enjoys volunteering as a coach in youth football and basketball leagues.
About Polk State College
Located in Polk County, Florida, and established in 1964, Polk State College is a multi-campus institution serving more than 14,000 students with Bachelor of Applied Science, Bachelor of Science, Associate in Arts, and Associate in Science degrees, as well as 9,000 individuals in a wide range of certificate and workforce training programs. The College also operates three charter high schools.
Polk State’s advantages include small class sizes; hands-on learning; dedicated faculty; day and night classes; online options; affordable tuition; excellent financial aid; and a diverse community and vibrant student life, including fine arts opportunities, clubs, and intercollegiate athletics.