Commencement Profiles
Freedom and a Life Outdoors: Geomatics Technology Graduate Adam Garrison Found His Dream Career
May 8, 2026 Geomatics Technology graduate Adam Garrison, 24, was on track to become a Physician’s Assistant when Covid hit and threw a wrench into his plans. The Mars Hill native witnessed doctors and nurses pushed to the limit as local clinics and hospitals became inundated with patients.
Radiography Graduate Kelsey Fisher Aims to Help Women Combat Breast Cancer
May 6, 2026 Kelsey Fisher never planned on becoming a radiographer. She was at West Virginia University on a pre-nursing track when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. After watching her experience the ups and downs of treatment, Fisher began to reassess her life’s path.
Ceramicist Julius Coggins Immortalizes Former Teacher with his Art
May 5, 2026 For artist and Fine Arts Academic Achievement Award winner Julius Coggins, making art is not just about the act of creating. It’s also about processing a lifetime’s worth of memories and emotions and letting them live and breathe in his creations.
Student Chef Carolina Salas Montano Celebrates Authentic Mexican Traditions
May 4, 2026 Growing up in Guadalajara, Mexico, food was a big part of Carolina Salas Montano’s life from an early age. One of her favorite early memories is helping her grandmother bake a sweet bread made with chayote, a native squash similar to zucchini that is prevalent in Mexico.
Coming Up Roses: Educator Itzel Briseida Moreno-Angeles’ Knack for Nurturing
May 8, 2025 When there’s a Latinx birthday in the local community, Itzel Briseida Moreno-Angles, 21, is often there to mark it with a bouquet of her signature red roses.
Medical Lab Technician Student Dan Nielson Conquers Self Doubt, Redefines Career
May 8, 2025 Dan Nielson will be the first to tell you that his inner critic is tough to beat. The 54-year-old veteran, who is graduating this May with a Medical Laboratory Technology AAS degree, has battled PTSD and negative self-talk for more than half of his life.
Truth Seeker: Criminal Justice Graduate Raevyn Mitchell’s Quest for Justice
May 7, 2025 As a teenager, Criminal Justice Technology student Raevyn Mitchell, 25, took a forensics class and was instantly hooked. The class introduced her to the process of collecting, analyzing, and understanding evidence found at accident scenes. It is a process that excites her to this day.
Cardiovascular Sonography Student Jair Lopez Credits Success to Strong Family Ties
May 6, 2025 If you had told Jair Lopez at age 15 that one day he’d be working in an American hospital, operating an ultrasound machine, and helping to diagnose heart conditions, the native Honduran likely wouldn’t have believed you.
Retirement Not an Option: A-B Tech Student Eric Velez Just Won’t Quit
May 5, 2025 A-B Tech student Eric Velez, 65, is graduating in May with an Associate in Science degree, the next step in pursuit of his childhood dream of becoming a physician.
Award-winning Artist Harper Bolick Aims to Shine a Light in Dark Times
May 2, 2025 A-B Tech art student Harper Bolick, who is graduating this May with an Associate in Fine Arts degree, was the program's Academic Achievement Award recipient for the year and a top award winner in the annual Student Art Show.