Commencement 2023: Leopoldo Torres Reyes

Leopoldo Torres Reyes, Associate of Science in Political Science, 2023

Leopoldo Torres Reyes patiently waited in line to enter the Maverick Center for the 2023 commencement ceremony with a smile as bright as the sun. By the look of Leopoldo's smile, one would never guess that he considered not attending the commencement ceremony.

As a first-generation, non-traditional college student, Leopoldo started his academic journey amid the pandemic. "My roommates and I were watching tv, and I blurted out to them, what if I go back to college," says Leopoldo. A thought that went from a random idea to a reality.

Although starting college during a pandemic may seem frightening, Leopoldo had a different outlook. "During the day, I was working my corporate job, and after work, I was going to college," says Leopoldo, whose mentality helped him succeed academically. Due to the global pandemic, learning had shifted into a virtual world, which meant no formal college events for students to socialize. For Leopoldo, that meant that he would strictly concentrate on his schooling. "I was a laser focus on my educational path, and it became my coping mechanism during the uncertain times," says Leopoldo, "but in retrospect, I wish once it was available, I would have taken some of the opportunities to attend social events."

As he waited in line in his gown and regalia, including the Mexican flag, to honor his mother- his biggest motivator- he hoped to help inspire his younger siblings to believe in themselves. As for why he decided to walk: "All my mother ever asked from my siblings and I was to get an education, and today I am doing this for her. Her dream was to go to college, which was impossible, so I am not walking for myself; I am walking for my mother, whose sacrifices and support have led me here today."

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...

SLCC Alumnus and U.S. Diplomat to Speak at 2025 Commencement

Salt Lake Community College’s 2025 Commencement speaker Branigan Knowlton will share his perspectives drawn from a 12-year career as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State. In serving his country, Knowlton has honed his foreign relations and diplomacy skills in Hong Kong, Mexico, Colombia and Italy. Knowlton is also a proud Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) alumnus (2002). Knowlton currently serves at the U.S. Embassy in Rome. Before reporting to the embassy, he was detailed to the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport as part of the Transatlantic Diplomatic Fellowship program. In Bogotá, Knowlton worked for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, and in Hermosillo, Mexico, he worked for the Bureau of Consular Affairs. His first assignment abroad was in Hong Kong, where he worked for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. "I've actively sought opportunities that push me into the unfamiliar, even when ...

Recognizing SLCC's 2025 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Andrew Vogt, PhD Associate Professor, Engineering

The Distinguished Faculty Lecturer is a recognition of quality work by one of Salt Lake Community College’s full-time faculty and a charge to develop that work over an academic year into a public presentation. A committee chosen by the Associate Provost for Learning Advancement selects the faculty lecturer each year. The lecture takes place in the spring. Distinguished Faculty Lecturer Andrew Vogt, PhD Associate Professor, Engineering Dr. Andrew Vogt’s teaching philosophy is guided by two principles, curiosity and efficiency. “Curiosity leads us to study a topic and allows us to really understand the ins and outs of research, while efficiency is all about sustainability,” he says. Andrew describes curiosity as a pure, open-minded impulse to explore, such as the ease with which children learn new concepts with virtually no instruction. Efficiency adds maturity to that childlike impulse, creating structures and pathways for accomplishment. Andrew’s work has alwa...

Official SLCC Blog

Search This Blog