A sea of purple robes and graduation caps took over the Learning Commons Plaza at San Juan College Saturday morning as over 1,000 students took their next steps in life earning certifications and degrees ranging from associates, bachelor’s, and masters.
Over 1,093 graduates from SJC earned associate degrees and certifications while over 153 graduates received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New Mexico Highlands University and Western New Mexico University.
Supporters of graduates lined the plaza as “Pomp and Circumstance” played over the speakers. According to SJC president, Toni Pendergrass, graduates of the 2025 cohort ranged in ages from 16 years old to 72 years old.
Pendergrass also acknowledged the circumstances of those who worked while earning their degree, parents, grandparents and commuters of over 50 miles. Honor graduates and veterans were also recognized by Vice President for Learning, Michael Ottinger.
Gayle Dean, executive director of the San Juan College Foundation, awarded the Foundation’s Allison Award for Excellence to Trades and Technology instructor, Vaughn Lewis.
Lewis was instrumental in partnerships between General Motors and SJC, the college student syllabus, and the professional development committee.
Amy Loyd, All4Ed Chief Executive Officer, gave the guest keynote address that touched on overcoming the challenges of college while encouraging graduates to continue with success that will impact the community.
“You are the change. You are the change that we need in our community, in our world. You are the innovators. You are the caregivers. You are the builders, the educators, the healers, the leaders,” she said.
Loyd, who formerly served as assistant secretary of the U.S. Department of Education, said in her speech that she was responsible for national policy related to career and technical education and community colleges.
In preparing her speech, Loyd told Tri-City Record that she wanted to reassure the graduates of the launch they are getting with San Juan College.
“I know we're moving as a nation, as a world, more into a skills based economy, but degrees and credentials still really matter,” she said “They're the proxies for skills, and they're really allow us to achieve our dreams and give back to our people.”
Graduates of SJC are unique in that they are a part of an institution that is student centered that will go back to the community to build a better future, Loyd said.
In her former position, Loyd rolled out pandemic relief for institutions of higher education like SJC and advocated for community colleges.
Despite the current presidential administration, with unknown certainty around the Department of Education, Loyd said she hopes the graduates know there is hope around agency and the ability to direct their own lives.
“I love the saying that, the power of the people is greater than the people in power,” she said “Yes, there's federal funding cuts. Yes, there's a lot of tumult and change and chaos seems to be the name of the brand these days. That doesn't change who we are as people and who we are as communities. It's not about empowerment. Let's remember that we already have the ability to make decisions, to drive our own futures.”
The San Juan College Board of Trustees awarded diplomas and certificates to students.
Elian Erives, received his associates in Pre-Health Sciences and a certification in General Education while also being a graduate of San Juan College High School.
Erives said he decided to apply for SJCHS after seeing his brother attend. While at SJCHS, biology and mathematics had the largest impact for him.
The counseling staff and college liaison were of the most help to Erives in his journey to the stage that day.
Erives will be a part of the Four Corners Outreach program through Weber State University with a focus in radiography.
“I'm looking forward to the involvement with patient care, getting a head start with health care and my main career goal of becoming a radiation therapist,” he said.
Esmeralda Garcia, received her associates in Human Services Criminal Justice, as a first-generation graduate.
Garcia applied to SJC thinking a university choice was impossible. Now with her associates, she has the confidence to attend the University of New Mexico in hopes to become an attorney.
“I've just seen a lot of injustice in our community,” she said “The justice system isn't fair, and I just want to be a voice to those people that don't have a voice. I want to be able to represent them and bring justice to them and to their families.”
Garcia gave credit to the Herencia Latina Center at SJC that gave her a sense of belonging.
Intro to Human Services was a course special to Garcia that was instructed by three different professors, Don Myers, Nicole Nelson and Katrina Taminga.
“They didn't teach the course by the textbook,” she said “They taught it by real life examples and real stories, and they made sure that our stories were heard. It just made me realize that getting an education is not just about textbooks or books or lectures – it's about the experiences that you've been through.”
Following the commencement ceremony, graduates joined families and friends to celebrate and the college provided refreshments in front of the Henderson Performing Arts Center.
