On a vibrant day marked by achievement and new beginnings, El Paso Community College (EPCC) proudly celebrated its spring commencement with 2,356 students receiving their hard-earned credentials. The trio of ceremonies held at the University of Texas at El Paso's Don Haskins Center showcased a diverse group of graduates, including 788 dual credit, Early College High School, and P-TECH students, all taking a significant step in their educational journey. According to EPCC News, the diligent graduates walked the stage to claim degrees and certificates covering Associate of Science, Associate of Applied Science, and Certificates of Completion, among other accolades.
The ceremonies, each catered to specific fields of study, featured addresses by EPCC President Dr. William Serrata and Ray Martinez, III, head of the Texas Association of Community Colleges (TACC), with Martinez emphasizing the graduates' vital role stating, "Class of 2025, you count, you matter!" and called to the graduates to "lead with integrity, empathy, with purpose" as recounted by EPCC News. The pomp of the occasion was further enhanced by professors Ivette Chuca, Rosalia Ortega, and Lorely Ambriz, who carried the ceremonial mace with pride representing EPCC's commitment to academic excellence and tradition and despite the grandeur of the occasion and noteworthy addresses, some may say the real stars of the show were the graduates, each with their unique stories and aspirations.
Comments from students like Karla Barraza, an EPCC Culinary Arts graduate, revealed both a sentiment of accomplishment and anticipation for what lies ahead; as she shared with EPCC, "Now I am excited to see what's next, hopefully New York, that's the plan," as per EPCC News. Echoing her excitement, EPCC Culinary Arts Professor Chef Patrick Rosser expressed pride in his students, recognizing the larger size of the graduating class in his field and their deserving success. Such individual stories of perseverance and determination underscore the communal success celebrated during the commencement, and for these students, the connection to EPCC has fostered not only educational growth but also a familial bond that extends beyond graduation.
