By Chris McBride
Thatcher, Arizona — Eastern Arizona College celebrates 134th anniversaryth Graduation ceremony held at John Mickelson Stadium. Awarded degrees and certificates to 607 graduates. University faculty, elected officials, friends and family honored graduates of the EAC-Arizona State University Joint Nursing Degree Program. Graduates from 13 Arizona counties, 14 states, Canada, France and Mexico attended the ceremony.
Eastern Arizona University associate president Adalberto Carrillo called the ceremony orderly. EAC President Todd Haney welcomed the gathering and officiated the ceremony. Jeff Larson, chairman of the Graham County Community College District Board of Trustees, accepted the candidate’s graduation.
Russell “Rusty” Bowers, former Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, delivered the commencement address. A native of Arizona, his fourth generation, Mr. Bowers grew up on a sheep ranch in his Valley of Chino. From 1993 he served in the Arizona House of Representatives until 1997, from 1997 he served in the Arizona Senate until 2001, and from 2015 he served in the Arizona House of Representatives again until 2023. . He is the recipient of the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile Courage Award and Presidential Award. Citizen’s Medal, his second-highest civilian honor in the United States.
Mr. Bowers has strong ties with Eastern Arizona University. Three of his children attended his EAC, and his daughter was a former Miss Graham County. As Speaker of the House, Mr. Bowers invited the EAC Band, Arizona’s only community college marching band, to play the Stars and Stripes at the opening ceremony of Congress.
Mr. Bowers opened his speech with an interesting story about being kidnapped when the car he was driving broke down while traveling in Mexico. One of the captives, learning of his religion and belief in God, insisted on his release. Bowers said the moral of his story wasn’t about religion, but that someone once treated him well to the kidnappers who set him free. “Somewhere, back in the day, someone was treated [him] good. And he made an impression. Someone had a good impression and he didn’t know me, but he saved my life. I’m standing here because someone somewhere has done a good thing. ”
He gave the graduates a simple but powerful challenge to do good in life. “The good things that happen here will never end unless you finish them. [the good someone did] You once saved my life. ”
(Photo credit: EAC’s Monique Saldana)
Samantha Madrid represented the class of 2021. Madrid is from Eager, Arizona, where she graduated from Valley High School. She graduated with honors from her EAC with an associate degree in psychology. Ms. Madrid asked her classmates, “Which takes more faith, to get what you want or to keep doing what you don’t want?” She encouraged her classmates to always choose progress and rely on their faith when faced with difficulties. “Bloom where you are planted, and remember that you are often found in the middle of nowhere.”
Ms. Angelica De Paulo, head coach of the EAC women’s basketball team, was present on behalf of the faculty. De Paulo is from Sao Paulo, Brazil. During this school year, she led her EAC women’s basketball team to the national playoffs and her 29th and her 2nd season. In recognition of her efforts, she was named the ACCAC Regional Coach of the Year. Coach de Paulo holds an associate degree from New Mexico Junior College, a bachelor’s degree in human services from Utah State University, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Upper Iowa.
Coach DePaulo began his speech to the graduates as follows. One person cannot accomplish great things. You have to surround yourself with good people. I know there are good people here tonight. Her attendees applauded as she honored all those who helped the graduate navigate this important chapter of her life.
And she told the audience that nine years ago she came to America from Brazil with big dreams. At first it was difficult because of the language barrier, culture and even food. During her sophomore year, she was given the opportunity to play basketball at Utah State University. However, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament and had to choose between her professional basketball career or her master’s degree. “I chose education because no one can take it away from me,” said de Paulo.
Coach DePaulo told the graduates that her path was never easy, but three things helped her get through the difficult times. “Graduates of 2023, your journey is just beginning, and you are probably as nervous as I was when you arrived in the US not knowing what to expect next. So my best advice to you is to always have faith, work hard and never give up.”
This year’s awards ceremony also announced the winners of the “Changing Lives Award” given by students to EAC staff who have made a difference in their lives. This year’s winner was STEM Dean and former biology professor Aaron Burke. Burke was recognized by his students for his cheerful demeanor, genuine concern for his students, and dedication to the EAC and community.
EAC’s 2023 graduates will pursue a wide range of careers, including four-year college studies in business, engineering, education, finance, medicine, law, and more.
To view the video of the entrance ceremony, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GT3Oqni8MrM
