Graduates Honored Across Campus

Programs host ceremonies to celebrate graduates, highlighting community and student achievements

By Carly Rae Zent

In the weeks leading up to Clark’s 90th commencement ceremony, programs across campus held their own special events to honor their graduates. Many of these students also received special stoles and cords that reflect the programs and communities they identify with. 

International Student Graduation

International students at graduation celebration

International students travel far from home to pursue an education at Clark. They follow their dreams while taking on the challenge of navigating a new culture. The International Programs department acknowledges their journey and achievements with a special International Graduation Celebration.  
 
As student Musa Jallow put it in his speech, “Everyone here might just see this as the certificate. But all of us know it has never been easy. The struggle, the sacrifice.” He also said, “One of the most valuable parts of my experience has been the people I’ve met so far. I’ve learned not only in the classroom but also from friends and classmates from around the world. Those experiences have helped me grow personally and professionally.” 
 
The graduation celebration also acknowledges the community that comes together to support these students. The International Friend of the Year Award was awarded to Jessica Hash (pictured below, left, with Jody Shulnak, Director of International Programs), an advisor who offered extra support to international students navigating academics at Clark.  

Friend of the Year award recipient holding a plaque
 
This year, 18 international students are graduating from Clark, representing 14 countries. Congratulations to each of these students: 

Seven continuing students also received scholarships to support their journey: 

Diversity Center Graduation

Diversity Center graduate with family and rose

The Office of People and Culture hosts a unique graduation tradition every year: the Rose Ceremony, which Vice President Vanessa Neal designed to acknowledge that our journeys are interconnected with the people in our lives. Graduates each choose a rose from a vase and dedicate it to someone. This year, approximately 20 students attended. Many gave their roses to the loved ones who were there to support them: sisters, parents, friends. Students also chose from graduation stoles and cords that represented heritage and identity. They can wear the stoles at the official commencement to celebrate who they are. 

Graduating student Al-Akim Kasumba, who has also served as a student ambassador for two years, spoke about how he once feared his dreams were too big for the “box” society had put him in, but he was able to pursue his ambitions at Clark College. He will be continuing at Clark in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.  

Clark Alum Luz Gonzalez Virgen also spoke. She completed the paralegal program and has—after years of hard work and promotions in her field—secured a management position with the Attorney General’s office. Her advice for the class of 2026 was, “You will likely face barriers and challenges… Just keep going. Know who you are. Recognize your values. And your character, your hard work, and who you are will speak for you and for you to continue to get to where you want to be in the future.” 

Learn more about the Diversity Center. 

MESA Graduation

MESA grads on stage

Clark’s MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program helps students prepare for STEM careers by providing a community through mentorships, workshops, internships, and networking opportunities. This year, thirty MESA graduates walked across the Student Center stage to be presented with a stole and certificate. 

Through MESA, six students received $1,500 scholarships to continue their education at Clark College: 

Six others received $2,500 scholarships to support their transfer to 4-year universities: 

In her opening remarks, Student Success Coach Katia Quintero emphasized the support students find through MESA. 

“For many students, spaces like MESA became more than programs,” she said. “They become a community, places where students feel understood, challenged, and supported. I hope you take a moment to reflect on what you accomplished. As you receive your stole tonight, wear it with pride. Let it remind you of everything you are capable of becoming.”

BASTE Graduation

BASTE grads

The BASTE (Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education) program honored its 3rd cohort of graduates at a special celebration that highlighted the strong community among students and instructors, and the important work these graduates will be doing. 

“There will be students who remember your encouragement years from now,” said Professor Coco Hoover. “There will be students who find their voice because of you. There will be students who believe in themselves because you believe in them first. That’s the power of education.” 

Each of the 11 graduates was presented with a pin and a yellow stole (designed to look like a pencil) after receiving personalized messages from their instructors.  

This event also acknowledged the retirement of Sarah Theberge, an early childhood education professor who was instrumental in creating this pathway for Clark students. To honor Sarah’s 30+ years of dedicated work and the lasting impact she has made on the Clark community, BASTE created the Sarah Theberge Legacy Award, which recognizes a student who persists through challenges and barriers, demonstrates leadership, takes initiative to create change, and contributes to the learning of others.  

Jessie Hope holding flowers

This year, Jessie Hope (pictured above) was recognized as the first recipient of this award. Coco said, “Jessie is deeply committed to her students. She takes the time to understand their individual needs, and designs learning experiences that help each and every child ... She is a culturally responsive educator who reflects deeply on her practice and advocates for equity.” 

Nurse Pinning Ceremony

Nurse graduates in blue scrubs

The 153rd cohort of Clark’s nursing program celebrated 30 new nurses — that’s a total of 4,587 nurses who have graduated from Clark College!  

During the ceremony, each graduate received their nursing pin from someone special who supported them during their journey. Some chose a parent, a child, a spouse, or other loved one to celebrate this milestone with them. 

At the pinning ceremony, Willow Mesplay was announced as the recipient of the Clinical Excellence Award, which is based on professionalism, communication, clinical preparation, use of the nursing process, and organization. 

Veterans Center of Excellence Celebration

This year, the Veterans Center of Excellence (VCOE) celebrated its members with a barbecue. Members of the VCOE who were graduating were also able to pick up their stoles, which reflected the specific branch of the military they are affiliated with. The VCOE has about 30 graduates this year, 20 of whom are veterans. 

 

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent and Malena Goerl. Nursing group photo courtesy of April Williams Photography. 

Story by Carly Rae Zent, Digital Media Specialist, and Malena Goerl, Staff Writer, Communications and Marketing