" Three years ago today, this was a construction zone."

Fifteen purple tassels swayed in the front row of white chairs. Onstage, in a purple robe, the president of Florida Polytechnic University took in the moment.

The last few years haven't been entirely smooth for the fledgling, STEM-centered institution, which rushed to open its doors after a contentious splintering from the University of South Florida in 2012. It still faces the hurdle of achieving accreditation.

But Poly's first class of students had seen past the drama of its creation, some drawn by free tuition, others by the chance to shape a new school. They'd taken the gamble.

In the afternoon light, this first crop of graduates straightened their caps and lined up to cross the stage.

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