They filed in under the melody of “Pomp and Circumstance”: black robes and mortar boards; quietly thrilled or waving discreetly to family and friends. One by one, they crossed the stage – to polite applause, raucous hoots or shouts of heartfelt joy – capping an accomplishment of intellect and character and striding into a more promising future. Grandeur, glee and an overwhelming sense of pride filled the Findlay Toyota Center Sunday afternoon, as Yavapai College celebrated graduates at its 54th Commencement ceremony.
“Congratulations on this milestone in your life.” Keynote Speaker and State Representative Selina Bliss told the graduates. “What an honor to share this moment with you.”
Overall, 1,750 YC students graduated from YC this year with a total of 1,981 total degrees or certificates. The largest of YC’s Spring commencement ceremonies, the Prescott area graduation awarded YC’s very first baccalaureate degree. Entrepreneur and working mother Lauren Mitchell crossed the stage earning her Bachelor of Science in Business. She was one of a host of students who completed their degree or certificate programs in Fall 2023 or are on-track to complete their studies in the Spring or Summer of 2024.
Bliss, Arizona’s State District One Representative and a 27-year Nursing School Faculty member, challenged the graduates to blaze a trail: “What will your legacy be?” She asked them. “We have been literally and figuratively lifted by those who came before us. We owe them the ability to see more and see farther than our predecessors. You have been given great power though your knowledge and experiences at YC. Now it is up to you to go forward in gratitude and service!”
Themes of praise and advocacy underscored the 2 p.m. ceremony. Graduates were urged to savor an accomplishment they had earned through sacrifice and perseverance. At the same time, they were called to harness those abilities toward creating a better world.
“What each of us has in common today is that we each had a spark to do something different with our lives.” Student Speaker, Honors student and Nursing School graduate Heidi Howden told her peers. “Every graduate here today had the desire to be more.”
“I challenge every person in this room – never let that spark burn out. Be a spark to every person you come across from this day forward. Because you now know the feeling of accomplishing something meaningful. I challenge you today, to be an inspiration to your community.”
The Prescott Commencement was one of five ceremonies honoring Yavapai College graduates across Yavapai County. Students as young as 15 and as old as 79 earned degrees or certificates. Age was no barrier to achievement at Yavapai College, whose 2024 graduating class boasted 120 graduates under the age of 18, and 54 graduates over the age of 55.
Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine characterized Commencement Day as the triumph of those who dare to dream. “Never let it be said that dreaming is a waste of one’s time. For dreams are realities-in-waiting. In dreams, we plant the seeds of our future. Dreams motivate and inspire. And dreams cause us to persevere, and dreams create a focus in our lives. Dreams are realized at community colleges.”
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Video recordings of both the Verde Valley and Prescott campus commencement ceremonies may be accessed online by following the link at www.yc.edu/commencement.
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Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
