Commencement 2022: Mom Kept Daughter on Path to Completion

Amy Woods hugs her mother Anne Woods

Amy Woods’ father, Casey Woods, wore his favorite cowboy hat. Her daughter Pearl picked out a dress to wear. Amy’s sister, Ronda Fisher, drove 700 miles from her home in North Platte, Nebraska to see her “baby girl” graduate.

Anne Woods, Amy’s mother, was there too, joining an entire Woods cheering section to witness Amy walk across the stage in her cap and gown at the Maverik Center May 6 during Salt Lake Community College’s Commencement Day. “All right,” Casey yelled above the crowd as his daughter approached. The event was a long time coming, and it wasn’t without emotion.

Amy Woods

Amy, who turns 40 in June, had children early. She graduated from high school in 2006 and started college in 2008. “And now here I am,” she said in front of her family after she and all the other SLCC graduates received their diplomas. “My mom really pushed me through this. She was my biggest support and help through all of it.”

With an associate’s degree in criminal justice in her back pocket, Amy has applied to a four-year school and hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in the same subject. She and her mom shed a few tears as they hugged, music blaring in the background, families and friends posing for photos with graduates, Pearl asking Mom to pick up blue and gold streamers off the ground for her.

Amy Woods' mother, Anne Woods (left) and sister, Ronda Fisher

Why did Anne push her daughter so hard? “Because I always knew she could do it,” she said, waterworks flowing. “I believed in her. Unless I had something urgent, I always made time for her whenever she needed help or encouragement.” Amy’s daughter Pearl, a third grader, is proud of Mom, who sometimes sat with her as they both did homework.

It was worth the long drive for her sister Ronda. “It was really exciting and so emotional,” she said about watching Amy walk across the stage in her commencement regalia. “It was thrilling to see all of the families encourage their students out here as well.” She paused to look at her sister. “I love her so much,” Ronda added. “I am so thrilled and overwhelmed, and really, really proud of her.”

Amy, who also works at SLCC as an administrative assistant in the college’s Institute of Public Safety, hopes someday to work in criminal forensics, possibly investigating crime scenes. Wiping away tears of joy, she said, “I’m just so glad and honored to be a part of SLCC.”

The Amy Woods cheering section

Comments

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o...

The Center for Prior Learning Receives an Honorable Mention

Today, SLCC's Credit for Prior Learning department received an Honorable Mention from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL ) and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education for its intentional approach and for expanding student options to receive credit for prior learning. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to obtain college credit for knowledge and skills acquired outside of the traditional academic environment. This is exceptionally beneficial for adult learners, who, according to CAEL, have a 17% higher chance of graduating compared to those adults who don’t earn credits through prior learning programs. The CPL department at SLCC was created in 2020 and since then the volume of students served has grown as the department continues to expand. To be eligible for CPL, students must be working towards a degree, certificate, or apprenticeship. Director of Credit for Prior Learning at SLCC, Andrea Tipton, mentioned fee...

Board of Higher Ed names Gregory F. Peterson 9th SLCC President

The Utah Board of Higher Education unanimously selected Gregory F. Peterson, Ed.D., as the ninth president of Salt Lake Community College today, following an extensive national search. Peterson will assume the position on July 1, 2024, and succeeds Deneece G. Huftalin, who served as president from 2014-2024. “I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve as Salt Lake Community College’s next president, and I look forward to reinforcing SLCC’s commitment to providing educational pathways for transfer and workforce that improve the lives of every member of our community,” Peterson said. “SLCC has an amazing future ahead, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of that journey.” As part of its delegated duties and responsibilities, the SLCC Board of Trustees named an 11-member committee in December 2023 to conduct a national search for the next president of SLCC. The committee is composed of representatives from the Utah Board of Higher Education and SLCC trustees, facul...

Official SLCC Blog

Search This Blog