Lamar Community College hosts two graduation ceremonies -87th Annual Commencement and Adult High School Diploma Commencement

Lamar Community College celebrated two historic graduation ceremonies this spring, honoring students’ educational journeys.

The college first celebrated its 87th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 9, recognizing the achievements of the Class of 2026. One week later, on May 16, LCC hosted a second historic ceremony, the college’s inaugural Adult High School Diploma Program graduation,  celebrating adult learners who earned their high school diplomas and opened new doors for their futures.

Together, the two ceremonies highlighted LCC’s commitment to creating educational pathways for students at every stage of life.

87th Annual Commencement Ceremony – May 9

Families, friends, faculty, staff, and community members gathered on May 9 to celebrate the accomplishments of LCC’s college graduates during the institution’s 87th Annual Commencement Ceremony.

The ceremony honored not only academic achievement, but also the resilience, sacrifice, and persistence that brought each student to graduation day. In her remarks, LCC President Dr. Rosana Reyes reminded each graduate, “You have fulfilled a promise you made to yourselves. You have reached a level of success that is earned through commitment and determination. We are honored to have been part of your journey and proud of all you have accomplished.”

Student speakers Haley Howell and Sandra Morales shared personal reflections about their experiences at LCC, highlighting the relationships, support systems, and opportunities that helped shape their college journeys.

The commencement address was delivered by LCC alumna Nikole Tucker, whose story reflected the transformative opportunities that often begin at a community college. Tucker came to LCC as a student-athlete and graduated in 2015 with an Associate of Science degree. She later joined the U.S. Navy, earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University, and went on to complete dual master’s degrees in Criminal Justice and Business Administration. Today, she works at Fidelity Investments after earning multiple professional financial certifications. “LCC was the first place that showed me what I was capable of achieving,” Tucker shared. “That belief changed the direction of my life.”

The ceremony also recognized graduates earning locally bachelor’s degrees through LCC’s university partnerships. Dr. Cindy Gutierrez, Assistant Dean of Teacher Education and Partnerships from University of Colorado Denver, presented bachelor’s degree graduates in Education and Human Development.

As graduates crossed the stage and turned their tassels, the ceremony reflected the lasting impact of higher education and the strong sense of community that defines Lamar Community College.

Adult High School Diploma Program Graduation – May 16

On May 16, Lamar Community College celebrated another major milestone by hosting the inaugural graduation ceremony for its Adult High School Diploma Program. The ceremony honored 14 graduates who completed their high school diplomas through the program during its first semester, surpassing the college’s original goal of 10 graduates. For many students, the ceremony represented more than a diploma. It marked a second chance, a personal victory, and the beginning of new educational and career opportunities.

LCC became only the second college in Colorado Community College System to offer the innovative tuition-free Adult High School Diploma Program, created through new state legislation designed to help adult learners complete their high school education while building direct pathways into workforce training, certificates, and college degree programs.

The program was intentionally designed to support working adults and non-traditional students by offering flexible scheduling, competency-based learning, and access to support services including tutoring, advising, and career coaching.

Graduate Sonia Camacho reflected on her journey, saying, “It’s never too late to achieve something you started and never finished. I never thought that I would have a high school diploma. Now, when I fill out an application, I can finally check that I have a high school diploma instead of saying I was a dropout in the eighth grade.”

The Adult High School Diploma Program also addresses a growing workforce need across Colorado. State projections show that by 2031, nearly 73 percent of jobs in Colorado will require education or training beyond high school, making accessible educational opportunities increasingly important for rural communities. LCC plans to continue expanding the program to serve more adult learners throughout southeast Colorado, with additional cohorts already planned for the summer and fall 2026 semesters.

Together, both ceremonies reflected Lamar Community College’s mission to empower students and strengthen communities through education. Whether students are earning a high school diploma, college certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, LCC remains committed to helping learners discover their potential and build brighter futures close to home.

#   #   #