Family, friends, classmates, faculty, and others celebrated the graduation of more than 340 Yavapai College students – the largest in the College’s history – during the 53rd Commencement ceremony held at the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley on Sunday, May 7.
Yavapai College Associate Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Tania Sheldahl – a graduate of YC herself – opened the ceremony.
Dr. Diane Ryan, Yavapai College Vice President of Academic Affairs, welcomed the graduates, faculty, family and friends before introducing keynote speaker Honorable Mitchell J. Padilla, Justice the Peace for Yavapai county.
Judge Padilla, who formerly served on the Yavapai College District Governing Board, spoke to those in attendance about the importance of hope and inspiration.
“You’ve found hope within yourselves, and someone or something inspired you to begin this journey that you are on,” said Padilla. “Now, does your journey end today, does it take a pause, or does it continue on? Only you have these answers.”
In his remarks, Judge Padilla noted that some similarities may exist in the experiences of this year’s graduating class, indicating that he himself was a first-generation college student whose educational path was part-time, while working a full-time job during the day.
“One day, as you look back on your life and think about your accomplishments, know that they will not only be important to you, but also to those who look up to you. We are role models whether we recognize it or not. Someone is looking up to us today, to see how we 'made it,' and why we chose the path we did.”
Yavapai College Allied Health instructor Marie Hardman addressed YC graduates on behalf of the faculty, stating that in spite of graduating her Maine high school in the top ten, she did not pursue a college education until age 26.
“When I reflect on my childhood experiences, it does not surprise me that I became a teacher,” Hardman said. “I love learning. When students are engaged and respond with enthusiasm, I become their cheerleader. I teach to encourage students to explore in a safe environment. I teach adults because their rich histories provide a jumping off point to further their education. My passion is to inspire students.”
This year’s student speaker, Ms. Jamie Oltersdorf, is the Yavapai College Student Government Association President and an Air Force veteran. Her educational journey started in Kentucky in 2007 but was delayed due to Oltersdorf’s military service.
Following a personal tragedy in 2020, Oltersdorf needed a release. “I found that release here at Yavapai College in an art class,” she said.
“All of us have our own destinies to write. It is up to us how we choose to use our minds and our hearts to get to where we want to be, and to become the person we want to be.” She added, “While it is certainly true that many things have gone wrong in the last few years, it is also true that many things have gone right. We are here today to accept one of those things that went right.”
Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine took to the podium after graduates crossed the stage to accept their degrees and certificates. “This day is all about you and dreams realized. Never let it be said that dreaming is a waste of one’s time. For dreams are our realities in waiting. In dreams, we plant the seeds of our future,” said Rhine.
“Dreams are realized at community colleges. The beautiful thing about the community college is the diversity in age and types of students that attend,” Rhine continued, noting that this year’s youngest graduate is a 15 year-old who lives in Paulden, while this year’s oldest graduate is an 84 year-old resident of Cottonwood.
Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
