THE DALLES — Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) celebrated the achievements of its 2025 graduating class during an in-person commencement ceremony held Friday, June 14, at the Fort Dalles Readiness Center on The Dalles Campus. This year, CGCC awarded a total of 131 diplomas and certificates to students who completed their studies during the 2024-25 academic year.
Among the graduates, 52 were recognized as CGCC Foundation Scholars — students who received scholarship support from the CGCC Foundation, underscoring the college’s commitment to making higher education accessible and affordable for students throughout the Columbia Gorge region. CGCC honored 37 GED graduates, 28 students received their Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degrees and plan to go on to complete their Bachelor degrees at 4-year colleges. CGCC’s Nursing Program celebrated 26 graduates.
Graduates, dressed in cap and gown, crossed the stage and were congratulated by college leadership, Board of Education members, and a full house comprising the wider CGCC community.
“Commencement is a time to celebrate the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of our students,” said CGCC President Kenneth Lawson. “We also acknowledge the dedication of each student’s support system. College is a commitment in time and resources, and every student relies on family, friends, and colleagues to support them on their educational journey.”
As part of the ceremony, Christina Knapp was honored as 2025’s Outstanding GED Graduate, Claudia Huila as 2025 Outstanding Graduate, Maria Ortiz the Leonardo da Vinci Distinguished Transfer Student Award, and graduate Lexus Williams and Writing instructor tina ontiveros both received the 2025 Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Awards.
CGCC recognized Electro-Mechanical Technology instructor Kalie Brunton with the Reine Thomas Faculty Excellence Award, and Equitable Funding Support Navigator Emilie Sanchez-Lopez with the Staff Excellence Award.
The event was also live streamed to ensure that family, friends, and supporters could join in the celebration from near and far.
For more information about Columbia Gorge Community College and its programs, visit cgcc.edu.
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