Cochise Newsroom

More than 550 graduates are expected to cross the stage as Cochise College celebrates its 61st commencement ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at the Sierra Vista Campus.  

 

The college will award approximately 1,200 diplomas and 800 certificates this year, along with 10 Bachelor of Science in Leadership degrees and 15 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degrees. Some students earning occupational certificates will also be recognized during the commencement program. Graduates range in age and experiences with the oldest student being 69 and the youngest 15.  

 

The Nursing Pinning Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, at the Sierra Vista Campus. More than 80 nursing students will participate. Registered nursing students will also be recognized for earning their Associate of Applied Science degree, making them eligible to take the licensing exam to become registered nurses. The ceremony will also mark a milestone for the college with recognition of its first Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduating class.   

 

This year’s commencement student speaker, Shawn Harrigan will take the stage sharing a story shaped by perseverance and community service. Harrigan is a mother of two, with three bonus children and four dogs. She has pursued her education on and off for more than a decade. While she originally planned to become a lawyer, her goals shifted toward earning a master’s degree in therapy to help others overcome hardships similar to those she has faced herself. 

 

She plans to continue her education at the University of Arizona, inspired by her own counselor and friend who earned a counseling degree there. 

 

Harrigan has volunteered with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and a robotics league. She currently works with newly disabled individuals through vocational rehabilitation, helping them navigate benefits and available services.  

 

Commencement will feature faculty, staff and alumni marshals. Marshalls: Crystal L. Hadfield, Alfredo Romero, Gabriella Honne Romero and Crystal Wheeler. 

 

Offices at all campuses and centers will close at 3 p.m. on commencement day. 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.  

 

Motorists should be aware of heavier-than-usual traffic in the area. All traffic will enter the Sierra Vista Campus at the south entrance and be directed in a counterclockwise direction to exit through the north entrance. Cochise College strongly encourages graduates and their guests to carpool for commencement. Parking is available but limited.  

 

Commencement begins 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 college’s website.