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Commencement 2022: Provost's Graduates of Excellence

Provost’s Graduates of Excellence is a prestigious distinction that recognizes hard work, commitment and selflessness. One student is selected from each school and General Studies. Many students apply to receive this honor. These are students with excellent GPAs who typically have received scholarships and awards for their academic achievements. They have demonstrated leadership skills and a dedication to serving others, in addition to other notable achievements related to the creative arts, athletic excellence or involvement in SLCC beyond the classroom.

Read more about the remaining four Graduates of Excellence Chamil Soufianou, Tonya Timothy, Leonardo Garcia and Brenda Johnson in "Commencement 2022: Provost's Graduates of Excellence."

Melissa Smith.

Melissa Smith

School of Health Sciences
Major: Nursing
GPA: 3.93
Influential faculty: Geoff Osmond and Brian Hoskins

For my first degree, I graduated just to finish and did not consider what my education could do for me. After being accepted into the nursing program, I was able to find my niche. It was not easy, but I proved my abilities to myself. I was not sure what I would experience in the program, and while it has been tough, I was able to find myself. I have been able to build confidence and make friends along the way. Starting the nursing program online during COVID-19 was a different way of learning, but it was successful for me. I am grateful that I have been able to come so far for myself and my family during the last two years.”

Amora Floyd.

Amora Floyd

School of Humanities & Social Sciences
Major: Psychology
GPA: 4.0
Influential faculty: Shannon Flynt and Marissa Shaver

“As a 50-year-old single mother of four children, starting college from square one was a terrifying prospect. However, I quickly found that Salt Lake Community College had a solid support system. There was never an issue without an academic, technical, clerical, health or emotional support system to assist me. I am grateful that SLCC has such an amazing online system. Without it, returning to school would have been nearly impossible and less time-efficient, and I would not have been able to complete my degree within two years. I also benefitted from interacting and learning from my classmates, who expanded my worldview in innumerable ways. As I prepare to graduate, my time at SLCC was pivotal in preparing me to pursue higher education. I will leave the college feeling confident in my ability as a student to learn and successfully achieve my goals.”

Kaden Wall.

Kaden Wall

School of Science, Mathematics & Engineering
Major: Biology
GPA: 3.51
Influential faculty: Ron Valcarce

"At the beginning of my college career, I encountered a major life event that shaped me into the person I am today. That event was my coming out to my family and friends as gay. My life had been completely altered, resulting in my failure of the entirety of my first college semester. Following this semester, I felt defeated. I didn't feel that I could ever redeem myself from the mistakes I had made while trying to maneuver my newly structured life. However, my progress in subsequent semesters surely outshined the failures I originally endured. I like to look at my first semester of college as a unique learning opportunity. As an LGBTQ student in the sciences, I am a part of a highly underrepresented group of students, and I take pride in demonstrating the potential to achieve greatness, despite downfalls.”

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