KCC graduates 185 at 29th commencement ceremonies

Klamath Community College graduated 185 students from the Class of 2025 at the 29^th annual commencement ceremonies Friday afternoon, June 13, on campus. The outdoor event was held under sunny skies and breezy weather as proud parents, friends and family filled the lawn at Founders Hall to cheer on the achievements of their sons, daughters, relatives and friends.

Associate degrees and certificates ranging from accounting to business, nursing to lab technicians, and auto mechanics to early childhood education were conferred. KCC offers some 97 degrees and certificates as part of its curriculum.

Among the congratulations, the students heard messages urging them to continue their learning through their life, live a life of integrity and character and lend a hand to others who will need their support.

KCC President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez reminded the students that their family supported them to get to this point, and they need to return the favor. He asked the students to rise, turn, and face their families and friends and thank them for their support.

“A great deal of institutional energy, heart and soul has been devoted to ensuring the success of our next generation of students. So, it is indeed a pleasure this afternoon to relax and enjoy the success and moments of celebration for this graduating class,” Dr. Gutierrez said.

Keynote speaker U.S. Air Force Col. Adam Gaudinski, Commander of the 173^rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field, told the graduates that learning doesn’t stop with a diploma.

“You don’t have to know everything to move forward. You just have to keep going, and that’s exactly what you’ve done to get here today. And today you are a college graduate,” Col. Gaudinski said.

“That alone is a remarkable accomplishment, and for many of you, it didn’t come easily. It’s truly about commitment. Some of you started this journey while juggling full-time jobs. Some of you came back to school after raising a family. Some of you did this in a second language, or as the first in your family to ever step foot on a college campus. Some of you questioned, at one point or another, whether you could really finish what you started. Well, take a breath. Look around. You did it.”

Col. Gaudinski reminded the students, “Something else that matters is integrity and character. In a world where people talk a lot, tweet a lot, live their lives through TikTok clips, and make promises without repercussions when they don’t complete them, what we really need are people of integrity, character, and action.”

“Klamath Community College has prepared you not just to make a living, but to make a difference, and we all believe you will. So go forward, Class of 2025, with commitment, integrity, and heart to do the work even when no one is watching. Live your life as a reflection of all that you’ve overcome and all that you stand for,” he said.

Two graduates, Vincent Hinton and Pedro Rodriguez Martins, were highlighted for overcoming obstacles to earn their degrees. Vice President of Student Affairs Gail Schull noted their achievements.

“Vincent’s journey to this moment was not easy,” Schull said. “He traveled all the way from Sprague River to attend Klamath Community College — and not just once or twice a week, but every single day. And to be honest, that is not a short drive. Some days, he barely made it work but always seemed to find a way to get to class on time. That is true dedication.

“Vincent faced hardship, loss, and financial struggle, but he never gave up. He kept showing up, he asked for help when he needed it, and he took every opportunity to grow. In addition, he sought out ways to pay it forward to others.” He worked as a KCC math tutor, a peer mentor in the TRiO program, and a teaching assistant in the welding program. Hinton, who earned an Associate’s Degree in Advance Manufacturing, will transfer to Oregon Institute of Technology to study mechanical engineering.

Rodriguez Martins is an international student from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He had to navigate a completely new education system, filling out government forms in a second language, adjusting to a brand-new country, and doing it all without the financial aid many domestic students rely on.

“Along the way, Pedro became a vibrant part of the KCC community. He showed us that international students bring fresh energy, attract new students, and help raise the bar for everyone around them. He even made a difference in the community through his work with local youth and service learning,” Schull said. “Pedro has been accepted to the University of Providence in Great Falls, Mont., where he will earn his Bachelor’s degree in Business and where he will be the first KCC student athlete recruited to play soccer.”

Also honored was science faculty member Eleazar Gutierrez, the students’ choice for the KCC employee who made a difference.

“My first year at KCC, I was enrolled in one of Eleazar’s classes, I was quite nervous at first, but later found out that all of the material was so much fun!” wrote one student. “I enjoyed his teaching style and his modules so much, that I ended up enrolling for his classes for ALMOST every single term.”

Recognized for years of dedication and service were faculty members Cathy Saunders, who is retiring as the Program Lead for Business Technology after 28 years, and Welding Program Lead Matt Walter, who is also retiring after 14 years at KCC.