By Kris McBride/EA
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College awarded 706 degrees and certificates to 636 students, including, for the first time in the College’s history, bachelor’s degrees, during its annual commencement ceremony Friday, May 8, at John Mickelson Stadium.
EA President Todd Haynie welcomed attendees to the ceremony, emphasizing the occasion’s significance and celebrating the graduates’ achievements.
In his remarks, Haynie recounted a visit to Independence Hall.
“The park ranger told us to look around and consider that we were standing in the birthplace of the United States of America — that had quite an impact on me,” Haynie said.
He reflected on the lasting influence of the ideals and decisions that shaped the nation nearly 250 years ago and encouraged graduates to consider the impact their own futures may have on generations to come.
“As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of this great country, I hope that in some ways each of you can trace the genesis of at least some of your emerging successes to your time at Eastern Arizona College,” Haynie said.
He noted that the Class of 2026 includes graduates from 14 Arizona counties, 18 states, and 10 countries.
“Your achievements reflect the power of education to transform lives, and we are proud to celebrate your success,” he added.
Vard Jensen, president of Eastern Arizona College Associated Students, officially called the ceremony to order. Jeff Larson, chair of the Graham County Community College District Governing Board, formally accepted the candidates for graduation and congratulated them on their academic success.
Guest speaker Katherine Haley, president of the Arizona State Board of Education, encouraged graduates to pay attention to what she called “bright spots” — moments or experiences that may seem unexpected or out of place but often reveal purpose and direction for the future.
Drawing from her own career path, Haley explained that many of the experiences she once viewed as distractions ultimately prepared her for the work she does today.
“What I didn’t understand then — and only understand now — is that they weren’t distractions,” Haley said. “They were bright spots. They were early signals of who I was actually becoming.”
Haley described Eastern Arizona College as “a case study in recognizing bright spots,” pointing to the College’s leadership in changing Arizona law to allow community colleges to confer bachelor’s degrees.
“Today, for the first time in this institution’s history, those degrees are being awarded because someone recognized a bright spot and said, ‘Our students are capable of so much more, and we are capable of offering more.’”
Haley also praised the opportunities available to EA students, noting that many graduates are leaving college debt-free.
“That freedom is a gift, and it is a signal worth honoring.”
Encouraging graduates to remain open to unexpected opportunities, Haley reminded students that “the future is not going to announce itself, but it will leave you clues.”
“Your job is to stay curious enough, humble enough, and brave enough to follow them.”
Closing her remarks, Haley compared graduates to EA’s mascot, the Gila monster.
“It adapts. It endures. It is patient. And when the moment comes, it does not hesitate.”
Haley told graduates they are “already built for what’s coming” and encouraged them to “go make something worth looking back on.”
Dillon McCray, a 2023 graduate of Pima High School, represented the Class of 2026. Earning an associate degree in computer-aided design and drafting technology, McCray praised EA’s CAD program as “one of the best programs out there” and recognized professor Doug Griffin and the College’s Industrial Technology and Education Division for preparing students with hands-on skills that power the workforce and strengthen communities.
Sharing three simple lessons drawn from his experience in CAD and building design, McCray encouraged graduates to build strong foundations, embrace change, and “eat your frogs” — a phrase his father taught him about tackling life’s biggest challenges first.
“You don’t need every detail figured out at the beginning,” McCray said. “Start with a foundation. Build one piece at a time. And eventually, something strong begins to take shape.”
EA Professor of Applied Computer Science Lydia Montoya encouraged graduates to embrace growth, resilience, and community, drawing on lessons from her martial arts training and her journey as both an EA student and professor.
Montoya described a black belt not as “a trophy waiting for me,” but “a reminder of the standard I’m working toward, the person I’m becoming, and the commitment I’ve made to keep showing up.”
“Your degree,” Montoya told graduates, “is your symbol of direction and progress.”
Throughout her remarks, Montoya encouraged graduates to embrace challenges and setbacks as part of growth.
“Getting up — that’s the success,” Montoya said. “Resilience isn’t built in your victories — it’s built in the moments when quitting would have been easier, but you choose to rise anyway.”
She also emphasized the importance of community and supporting others.
“No one rises alone — not in the dojo, and not in life,” Montoya said. “The world doesn’t just need successful people — it needs people who lift others as they climb.”
Closing her remarks, Montoya reminded graduates of their strength and preparation for the future.
“Class of 2026, you are prepared! You are resilient! You are strong! You are ready!”
The ceremony also featured the presentation of the EA Changing Lives Award to Medical Assisting Program Director Jennifer Williams. Recognized for her dedication to student success and the care and commitment she shows her students, Williams was honored for the lasting impact she has made on students’ lives and futures.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional turning of the tassel, followed by a fireworks display and light show celebrating the debut of EA’s new turf field.
Graduates from EA’s Class of 2026 are set to pursue diverse paths, with many immediately entering in-demand careers and others advancing to four-year universities. Their future roles span business, education, engineering, finance, law, medicine, music, and other fields.
Click to view video footage and the recorded livestream of EA’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony.
About Eastern Arizona College:
Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EA is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.
Offering a diverse range of over 90 degrees and certificates and four bachelor’s degrees, EA is home to the state’s premier nursing school, a fine arts program featuring Arizona’s only community college marching band, and an engineering program that equips students for success at top-tiered firms and universities.
Beyond academics, EA is a vibrant community where students thrive and forge connections that last a lifetime. At EA, students can live in on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.
What sets EA apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt.
Choose EA as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.
