EAC Photo: Eastern Arizona College’s 134th Annual Commencement Ceremony is set for Friday, May 10, 2024, at EAC’s John Mickelson Stadium at 7:30 p.m., where more than 700 candidates will be honored. This event will also be live-streamed on EAC’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@easternarizona/streams. Pictured here are EAC students who graduated at last year’s commencement ceremony.
By Kris McBride and Lori Dugan/EAC
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College will hold its 134th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 10, 2024, at John Mickelson Stadium, starting at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public and celebrates the accomplishments of 710 graduates, marking an increase of 103 candidates from last year. This event will also be livestreamed on Eastern Arizona College’s YouTube channel.
The ceremony will commence with Associated Students of Eastern Arizona College Student Body President Mark Wren of Thatcher, Ariz., calling attendees to order.
Taking the podium on behalf of the graduating class is Kehng Begay of Greasewood, Ariz. A Holbrook High School alumnus, Begay is graduating from EAC with a 4.0 grade point average and an associate degree in sports medicine. He plans to further his education at the University of Arizona, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human performance and nutrition, with aspirations to specialize in geriatrics.
Professor Michael Fox from EAC’s business division will serve as the faculty speaker. Known for blending practical business insights with humor, Fox has a varied background, including military service and leadership roles in local business and academia. Dr. Susan Wood, vice president of academic and student affairs at EAC, praised Professor Fox, saying, “His ability to meld deep industry knowledge with a charismatic teaching style not only captivates but truly inspires our students. We are thrilled to have him as this year’s commencement speaker representing our faculty and staff.”
The guest speaker for the evening is Representative Teresa Martinez, who currently serves as the majority whip for the Arizona House of Representatives. Born and raised in Casa Grande, Rep. Martinez brings a wealth of experience from her extensive career in politics and early education. A dedicated single mother and the oldest of five children, her roots in Arizona are deep, with a family background tied to the local mining industry. Prior to her political career, she was a long-term substitute teacher at her alma mater, Casa Grande Union High School, and worked at the Frito Lay factory in Casa Grande.
Representative Martinez’s extensive political experience includes positions with two members of Congress and the Arizona Secretary of State’s office. She also served as the political director for the Arizona Republican Party. Her longstanding commitment to public service and education makes her an exemplary figure to inspire EAC’s graduates as they look forward to shaping their own paths.
Concluding Friday evening’s commencement ceremony will be the conferring of Associate of Arts, Associate of Business, Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Science degrees to the graduation candidates.
The 710 candidates for graduation come to EAC from 13 Arizona counties, 14 states, and seven countries, including Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil, Spain, Australia, Turkey, and Bulgaria. There are 193 candidates who will graduate with honors. EAC’s graduates will go on to a broad range of careers and to four-year universities to study business, engineering, education, finance, medicine, and more.
