Clark College Celebrates the Class of 2025
For Immediate Release
June 18, 2025
More than 2,100 graduates recognized; nearly 2,000 degrees and certificates conferred
VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College proudly honored its 89th graduating class at the 2025 Clark College Commencement ceremony on Wednesday evening, June 18, at the Cascades Amphitheater. Nearly 700 graduates crossed the stage, as family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to cheer and celebrate their achievements.
In total, 2,131 graduates were recognized for completing educational milestones, including bachelor's and associate degrees, professional certificates, high school diplomas, and GEDs. The college awarded 1,915 degrees and certificates—reflecting a 32% increase in total awards over 2024 and underscoring Clark's expanding impact on the regional workforce and educational attainment.
"Tonight, we celebrate over 2,100 graduates—and every single one represents a story of determination, resilience, and growth," said Clark College President Karin Edwards. "Our graduates balanced jobs, family, and school. And we are penguin Proud of them."
2025 Commencement Highlights
A total of 1,915 degrees and certificates conferred and 2,131 graduates were recognized—future leaders, workers, and scholars in our community.
This translates to the following (growth from 2024):
- 1,614 Associate degrees awarded (35% increase) including:
- 1,291 direct transfer degrees for students continuing at four-year universities (26% increase)
- 903 career-technical graduates earned workforce-ready degrees or certifications (66% increase)
- 133 Bachelor of Applied Science degrees awarded in Applied Management, Cybersecurity, Dental Hygiene and Human Services (38.5% increase)
- 604 Running Start students earned both their high school diplomas and Clark credentials (35% increase)
- 580 professional certificates of proficiency, achievement, and completion (35% increase)
- 100 graduates earned high school diplomas through Clark's programs (59% increase).
2025 Degrees and Certificates conferred included:
- Bachelor of Applied Science degree
- Associate in Arts degree
- Associate in Fine Arts degree
- Associate in Science degree
- Associate in Applied Science degree
- Associate in Applied Technology degree
- Certificate of Proficiency
- Certificate of Achievement
- Certificate of Completion
- High School Diploma; and General Educational Development (GED) Completion
New Degrees launching in Fall 2025 included:
- Clark's first Bachelor of Science degree (Computer Science), in addition to the current five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.
- Associate of Applied Technology in Surgical Technology, first of its kind in SW Washington
- Advanced Manufacturing program which will include two certificates and an Associate of Applied Technology, Integrated Technology
Student Hours and Scholarship Highlights
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All Washington Academic Team Honorees for two-year colleges, selected for demonstrating academic excellence and community service:
- Seth Stigall Barranco – Associate in Computer and Information Sciences. Seth will join the first cohort of Clark's new Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
- Anton Vlasov – Associate degree in Computer and Information Sciences. Anton plans to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Cybersecurity.
2025 Community College Presidents' Award Honoree
Gurraj Singh Dhami, Clark College's ASCC President and a Running Start student, was awarded the 2025 Community College President's Scholarship Award in honor of Val Ogden. Awarded to a Clark College graduate who is transferring to Washington State University Vancouver, the award provides the equivalent of two years of in-state tuition towards their bachelor's degree. The annual award's recipient must demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and academic achievement.
About Gurraj Singh Dharmi
Clark College is proud to announce Gurraj Singh Dhami as the recipient of the 2025–2026 Community College Presidents' Scholarship. A Running Start student graduating from both Prairie High School and Clark College with an associate degree in biology, Dhami exemplifies academic excellence, strong leadership, and a deep commitment to service. As ASCC President, an ESL tutor, a dedicated volunteer, and the first in his family to navigate higher education in a new country, he has balanced multiple jobs while proudly walking alongside his parents—also Clark students—through their educational journey. With aspirations to become a doctor and expand access to healthcare in rural communities, Dhami views education as a way to honor his family's sacrifices and uplift others.
Thanks to the generosity of Clark College Foundation, the Presidential Scholarship taskforce selected two other recipients ($1,500 scholarship each):
- Josh Bergstrom – Associate in Arts. Plans to study political science and pursue law school, with a long-term goal of becoming a congressman.
- Dorji Damdul – Associate in Arts with a concentration in Business Administration. Plans to study finance and become a financial advisor.
Commencement Speakers
- Dr. Karin Edwards, Clark College President
- Denise Gideon, Clark College Board of Trustee President
- Malina Siharath, graduating student speaker, Associate in Arts, DTA
- Suzanne Southerland, CCAHE Faculty Union President and Professor of Communication Studies
Graduates received parting words of inspiration from this year's speakers.
Dr. Edwards reminded graduates:
"The world is waiting your brilliance, your passion, and your unique contributions. As future leaders, thinkers, and change-makers, each of you carries the responsibility to bring the spirit of unity into the world. Together, we are stronger than any one person alone."
Chair of the Board of Trustees, Denise Gideon, encouraged the Class of 2025:
"While this chapter may be ending, I encourage you: don't close the book. Stay open to the possibility of continuing your education—on your own timeline, in your own way. You have what it takes to go as far as your dreams will carry you."
About Clark College
Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington's largest public institution of higher education. Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. This public community college offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor's and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves over 8,000 students including high school students, veterans, displaced workers, multilingual and mature learners. About three-quarters of its students are the first n their families to attend college.
Clark College's main campus is located in Vancouver's Central Park, with classes also held at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and, beginning in fall of 2025, the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield, Wash.
For additional information: (media inquiries & photo requests):
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing
Email: mhefflin@clark.edu
Phone: 360-992-2243 (please leave message)