Keynote speaker emphasized that graduates should pursue their dreams while also pursuing liberty and freedom for all.
On Thursday, May 4, Salt Lake Community College proudly celebrated the achievements of more than 3,000 graduates during its 2023 Commencement Ceremony at the Maverik Center in West Valley City.
SLCC’s Class of 2023 is comprised of 3,330 students, including 1,497 who are first-generation college students and 154 who are military veterans. Graduates range in age from 16 to 76, and most earned degrees are from the school’s general studies and general education programs followed by nursing, business and psychology.
“This year, SLCC is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and today’s graduates join a legacy of trailblazers dating back to 1948,” said SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin. “Many of these students began their college journey two years ago during one of the most challenging times in modern history. Through it all, our graduates have demonstrated determination and grace, and we are excited for all they will do as they build out their future.”
Tara M. Stringfellow, author of the bestselling novel, “Memphis,” delivered the ceremony’s keynote address. She encouraged students to always pursue their dreams, even when faced with difficulties and doubts.
“I firmly believe in the age-old American declaration of ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.’ My favorite word in that phrase is ‘pursuit.’ We all have dreams, but the question in front of you graduates is are you willing and able to hunt for yours. It will not be easy. The road ahead is a long, unpaved and unmarked path. You may even be told you do not belong on it. So be it. Walk it anyway.”
President Huftalin also reminded graduates that everyone has something to offer in today’s sometimes divisive world. “Each of us contributes to the culture of a community…We are stronger when we reject the stereotypes and fears thrust upon us about ‘certain cultures’ and instead create spaces where all are welcome, heard, considered and respected, which ultimately contributes to an environment where we learn from and shape each other.”
In addition to recognizing graduates, during the ceremony SLCC honored several champions from the community. Utah State Senator Luz Escamilla and philanthropists John and Joanne Parrish were bestowed Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees. Senator Escamilla has been an ardent advocate for SLCC since she was first elected to the Utah Senate in 2008, and the Parrish’s are longtime friends of SLCC who have supported students through their John & Joanne Parrish Endowed Scholarship. John also served on the SLCC Foundation Board for six years, three of which he served as the organization’s chair.
The college also paid tribute to three former students with its Distinguished Alumni Award. The award recognizes alumni for their contributions to their communities and professions. Mary Anne Douglas, executive nurse director for surgical operations at Intermountain Health, and Jeremy Foster, licensed physical therapy assistant at North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville, Miss., were both recognized as well as National Basketball Association (NBA) player Gary Payton II.
Douglas began studying Surgical Technology at SLCC’s forerunner, Utah Technical College, in 1979. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Westminster College and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Denver. Jeremy graduated from SLCC in 1996 and has enjoyed a successful career as a physical therapist assistant. Payton is currently a shooting guard with the Golden State Warriors but began his basketball career at SLCC in 2012 before moving on to Oregon State University. He helped lead the Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship in 2022.
Also recognized was Utah Representative Melissa Garff Ballard as the recipient of SLCC’s 2023 Legislative Champion Award. Representative Ballard serves as chair of Utah’s Higher Education Appropriations Committee and has been a passionate advocate of SLCC’s Prisoner Education Program, which provides incarcerated individuals with education and training that will help them be successful as they transition back into society.
Several faculty members were also acknowledged during the ceremony. Claire Adams, Melissa Hardy and Nikki Mantyla received this year’s Teaching Excellence Awards in recognition of their commitment to providing outstanding education. The college also named Kristi Green as its Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, an accolade recognizing her work on the ‘counterstories’ of Latinas working in higher education and inclusive environments. She will develop this topic into a public presentation over the course of an academic year.
In addition, seven students were bestowed with SLCC ’s Graduates of Excellence Award, a prestigious distinction that recognizes hard work and selflessness. Honorees included Amanda Lee, Sierra Schmidt, Jennifer Croft, Shandra Payne, Trelynn Gehringer, Gabriel Holm and Devon Sanborn.
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