Graduation Reception

Passing the Test:

Celebrating New Graduates

Faculty and Staff celebrated with 2022 graduates in May and December during the College of Technology Graduation Celebrations held the evening prior to graduation. In May, the Eames Complex was bursting with graduates and their families who were treated to hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Andrew Hall, a student earning his BAS in Cyber-Physical Systems and recipient of the College of Technology Outstanding Student Award addressed the audience. In December, a smaller open house allowed faculty and staff to mingle and congratulate one another. At each event, graduates were presented with a College of Technology graduation medallion to wear the following day at commencement. Interim Dean Debbie Ronneburg provided brief remarks and congratulated students on their achievements. “Each of you are part of the College of Technology family. We are interested in your success, your career trajectory and where you will be in one, five and ten years from now,” said Ronneburg. Ronneburg reminded graduates to stay in touch and to think of ways they can give back to their programs — whether it is by teaching, becoming a part of a program’s Technical Advisory Committee or contributing to scholarships to help the next generation of students. In 2022, 435 College of Technology students graduated, earning 503 certificates and degrees. At commencement in the Holt Arena, students walked across the stage to receive their diplomas as family and friends congratulated them from the stands. “Know that from where you are today, you can achieve whatever you set your mind to. I call on you to set your mind on what fulfills you as a

“The best part of graduation was hearing my name and being able to walk the stage. It meant that all the hard work and hours I put into getting my degree were finally paying off.”

– Dayana Carlos, graduate Respiratory Therapy Program

person. Build the life that you have dreamed of, that makes you proud and that ultimately brings you happiness and fulfillment,” said Idaho State University President Kevin Satterlee at May commencement. “Because this is what education is about. It is about bettering your life. And by bettering your life, you also have an opportunity to make the world a better place.” The sounds of air horns could be heard as the crowd let their loved ones know they were watching. The intensity of the joy that the participants and spectators felt was palpable in the air. For Dayana Carlos, who graduated from the Respiratory Therapy Program, this was the culmination of years of effort. “The best part of graduation was hearing my name and being able to walk the stage, it meant that all the hard work and hours I put into getting my degree were finally paying off,” said Carlos. “Being able to walk the stage was extra special for me because I’m a first-generation American and first-gen college student.” The path to Carlos’ degree was a twisting one as she knew she wanted to help people by working in health care but she wasn’t sure about the specifics. When she explored the options available through the College of Technology, she found Respiratory Therapy. While she didn’t know much about it at first, she was quickly drawn to the field due to it being a part of cardiopulmonary medicine. Now, Carlos wants to gain more experience in her field while spreading awareness about the program. Carlos’ goals going forward are to gain more experience in the respiratory field and explore options like working in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or applying for a physician assistant program.