Cochise College will hold its 59th commencement ceremony on the Sierra Vista Campus at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 17.
The nurses’ pinning ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. on May 16 on the Sierra Vista Campus. Over 60 students will participate, with first-year students recognized for earning certification and second-year students honored for earning their associate of applied science degree, making them eligible to take the exam to become a registered nurse.
Commencement will feature faculty, staff and alumni marshals. Marshalls: Angie Bowling, Jason Bowling, David Gowan, Brian O’Brien, Faculty Emeriti: Rebecca Richardson and Teresa Vernon.
This year, Cochise College will award approximately 1384 diplomas and 646 certificates for the current academic year. Some candidates will receive an occupational certificate and be recognized during the commencement program. About 430 students are expected to participate in the commencement ceremony.
Isabella “Belle” Knipp will take the stage as the student speaker at this year’s commencement ceremony, bringing a unique story of perseverance and community service. Knipp is set to receive an associate of applied science degree in nursing, a significant milestone she shares with her mother, who is also graduating.
Knipp, an active volunteer in the community, has made a notable impact through her work in rescuing and re-homing lost animals. Her commitment to helping others extends beyond her local community; she has performed the National Anthem at various events, including major league sports games and First Responder ceremonies. Looking ahead, Knipp aspires to further her studies by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, with the ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.
Live online streaming, accessed at www.cochise.edu, will allow friends and relatives to see everything from the processional to the last graduate crossing the stage. Offices at all campuses and centers will close at 3 p.m. on commencement day.
Motorists should be aware of heavier-than-usual traffic in the area. All traffic will enter the Sierra Vista Campus, located on Colombo Ave., through the north entrance, follow the loop around campus, and exit through the south entrance. Cochise College strongly encourages graduates and their guests to carpool to commencement. Parking is available but limited.
Commencement exercises begin at 7 p.m., but the campus will start to fill with cars around 5 p.m. Both ceremonies will be tobacco-free, including e-cigarettes.
For information and updates regarding this year’s commencement, visit www.cochise.edu.