By J.D. Rottweiler, Ph.D.
Commencement is a time to celebrate the hard work, determination and perseverance that belongs to the students, faculty and staff, and alumni. At the 59th Commencement Ceremony, the college awarded over 1400 associate degrees and nearly 700 certificates. This year, the college also had a record number of graduates walking across the stage, which added to the celebration.
Commencement ceremonies are filled with customs, traditions, and pomp and circumstance. I love to see the colorful robes and gowns, the iconic mortar board hats with tassels, and all the graduates ready to “commence” in their next journey. The graduates will now continue their education by transferring to a university or contributing to the local economy by joining the workforce.
Commencement also serves as an opportunity to celebrate alumni. Their post-graduation achievements inspire students and showcase the possibilities and successes that lie ahead. Alumni participation in commencement also demonstrates the connection between the college and our communities. Leading the Class of 2024 to their seats were four alumni marshals, each with stories of their own.
David Gowan (’02) has served in the Arizona legislature for 15 years, championing veterans, first responders and Arizona’s rural community colleges. As the 52nd Speaker of the House and, later, as Senate Appropriations Chair, he led the establishment of the Aid to Rural Community Colleges that provides workforce development funds to Arizona’s rural districts. These funds have supported the Automotive Technology Building, the Cyber and Virtual Reality Center and most recently, the Firearms Training Complex. His sons David Jr and Aiden have also attended Cochise College.
Jason (‘08) and Angie Bowling (‘07) have a deep connection and commitment to community and education through their ongoing contributions and volunteer work. Jason furthered his education eventually becoming the CEO of SSVEC. Angie now focuses on volunteering and homeschooling their youngest child. As CEO of SSVEC, Jason continues to foster the utility’s partnership with the community, awarding resources to many causes that make Cochise County a great place to live. Angie is passionate about community service, serving as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Sierra Vista and volunteering with the National Alliance for Mental Illness, Peach’s Pantry, Relay for Life, and Buena’s Project Graduation, to name a few. Three of their four children attended Cochise College.
Brian O’Brien (’96) attended Cochise College at 17 to pursue an associate of science degree in environmental science and was hired by the facilities department, becoming a full-time employee before graduating in 1996. He has since been promoted and is now the Facility Services Manager. The college’s beautiful, well-kept facilities are the result of his team’s hard work. Brian, an avid stock car racer, shares his passion with his children, Anika and Maddox, who have followed in his footsteps. Anika is enrolled at Cochise and is on track to complete a degree in administration of justice.
For our graduates, Commencement is a recognition of their perseverance and accomplishments. It is also a time to look to the future to see what community impact they might soon have. Here’s to another year of fulfilling the lofty Cochise College Mission!
J.D. ROTTWEILER, Ph.D., is president of Cochise College. Contact him at jdr@cochise.edu.