THATCHER, Ariz. — Eastern Arizona College proudly celebrated the achievements of 876 students receiving degrees and certificates at its annual commencement ceremony on Friday, May 9, at John Mickelson Stadium.
EAC President Todd Haynie welcomed attendees to the ceremony, emphasizing the occasion’s significance and celebrating the graduates’ achievements.
“Tonight, we honor not just your academic success, but the dedication, resilience, and determination that brought you here,” Haynie said. “You give us cause for high expectations and hope for the future.”
He noted that the Class of 2025 includes graduates from 13 Arizona counties, 14 states, and 16 countries worldwide. “Your achievements reflect the power of education to transform lives, and we are proud to celebrate your success,” Haynie added.
Dallen Rogers, president of Eastern Arizona College Associated Students, officially called the ceremony to order. Jeff Larson, the Graham County Community College District Governing Board chair, formally accepted the candidates for graduation, congratulating them on their academic success.
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen delivered a compelling keynote address, urging the Class of 2025 to prioritize strong relationships, lifelong learning, and faith in God.
If you are a person that people can rely on to do what you say you are going to do, and you work hard, you will always have opportunities placed before you,” Petersen said. “And remember this, trust is gained in drops, but it is lost in buckets.”
He emphasized the importance of hard work, reliability, strong values, and faith, encouraging graduates to surround themselves with good people, invest in their future, and care for their health. Petersen reminded the graduates that life is full of opportunities for those who are dependable and prepared, but true success comes from living with purpose and faith.
“Hard work and reliability always win over talent,” Petersen said.
Madisen Skousen, a 2021 graduate of Thatcher High School, represented the EAC Class of 2025. Earning an associate degree in radiologic technology, Skousen delivered an inspiring address highlighting the power of perseverance and the impact of consistently “showing up.”
“Showing up isn’t about perfection — it’s about resilience, consistency, and persistence,” Skousen said. “Success isn’t about never falling; it’s about rising every time you do.”
Drawing on her experience in EAC’s rigorous Rad Tech program, Skousen emphasized that true success is built through persistence, even in the face of self-doubt. She encouraged her fellow graduates to keep striving for their dreams, no matter their obstacles.
In her heartfelt and humorous commencement address, EAC’s director of financial aid and veteran services, Sharon Montoya, shared a message of resilience, self-discovery, and perseverance. Drawing from her educational journey — marked by challenges, pivots, and small victories — Montoya encouraged graduates to embrace change, celebrate their achievements, and remain open to new opportunities.
“Education is the attainable dream,” Montoya said. “It is at your fingertips, and it can change your life. The trick is that many of you will most likely change your majors and your career choices. Your life and your needs will change, and so will your goals. That is okay. Don’t let it discourage you. Don’t be so fixated on what you think you want that you miss out on what you need.”
Montoya explained that true success is not about rigidly following a predetermined path but about adapting to new opportunities, learning from unexpected experiences, and pursuing what genuinely fulfills you.
The ceremony also featured a presentation of the EAC Changing Lives Award to Dr. Craig Hackett, a health and human performance professor at EAC. Recognized for his dedication to student success and his warmth in making students feel welcome, Hackett has inspired countless students through his passion for education and unwavering support.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional turning of the tassel, followed by a fireworks display. President Haynie wished the graduates well, saying, “We hope you will continue to grow and seek new opportunities, building on the foundation you established here.” He added, “Remember that wherever you go, you will always carry that Gila Monster spirit within you.”
Graduates from EAC’s Class of 2025 are set to pursue diverse paths, with many immediately entering in-demand careers and others advancing to four-year universities. Their future roles span business, education, engineering, finance, law, medicine, music, and other fields.
Click to view video footage and the recorded livestream of EAC’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony.
