Teacher Education students, all majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies – Teacher Education option, cross the finish line of graduation together: Vivienne Yeagy, Julie Wells, Crissy Thurston, Josie Snow, Kathy Smith, Samantha Siedler.
Carl Molle (Anthropology, '14) surveys the crowd as the line of students enters Whalen Gymnasium.
Ayla Quinn (English – Communication option, '14) shares a laugh with Ryan Barela (English & Spanish, '14).
Wilhelmina Sandoval (Student Constructed Major, '14), Alicia Chapman (Student Constructed Major, ’14), Hermina White (Student Constructed Major, ’14), are graduates of the Navajo Nation Teacher Education Program, FLC’s only off-campus program.
Marissa Molina, (Political Science, '14) is heading into Teach For America’s Colorado Corps before pursuing her long-term goals of attending graduate school and working for educational policy reform in Washington, D.C.
Adonis Trujillo (Business Administration – Management option, '14) will miss being involved in on-campus activities as a Resident Assistant and a leader of Pueblo Feast Day.
Sokai Mills (Marketing, '14) smiles into the sun while lining up by the Ray Dennison Memorial Stadium.
Provost Barbara Morris, Trustee and alumnus John Wells (Business Administration, '78), and President Dene Thomas travel through the “gauntlet” of graduates.
Marcy Jung, associate professor of Exercise Science, delivers the Invocation to the students, peppered with references to the 1994 cult classic film “Angels in the Outfield.”
President Dene Thomas encourages the graduates: “You have yourself achieved one of the most significant accomplishments of your life: graduation from college. You have grown, changed, and transformed, and now you have to leave to continue your growth. The trail begins outside these doors.”
FLC alumnus and Athletic Hall of Fame member John Chisholm (Business Administration, '76) offers the Commencement Address, drawing parallels between the lessons he learned during college and in the business world. “While playing football and quarterback right here, I learned from my head coach, Jay McNitt, that great quarterbacks always take more of the blame and less of the credit,” he said. “I carried that thought of leadership to my professional life. Thank you, Fort Lewis College Athletics.”
Students apply their creativity to their hats.
The Bala Sinem choir, led by alumna Teahonna James (NAIS & Humanities, '11) performs the Celebration Song, a key part of every Commencement ceremony.
Let 'em fly!
Outside Whalen Gymnasium, faculty greet and embrace the new graduates.
Vivienne Yeagy (Interdisciplinary Studies – Teacher Education, '14) poses with Kris Greer, associate professor of Teacher Education.
Josh Kellinger (Sociology – Criminology option, '14) embraces Dian Jenkins, director of Disability Services.
Caleb Ontiveros (Philosophy, '14) laughs with Sarah Roberts Cady, professor of Philosophy.
Vadim Zabaluyev (Sociology, '14) stands with his happy family by the Dale Rea Clocktower.
Katey Redmond (Psychology, '14) and Brian Burke, associate professor of Psychology.
Matt Boileau (Business Administration – Management option, '14) is surrounded by family members outside the Student Life Center following the ceremony.
Read Class of 2014 ends one journey, begins another at Spring Commencement.