Skagit Valley College’s class of 2025 will walk across the stage for their diplomas, degrees, and certificates this week.
SVC is proudly celebrating the 98th graduating class at its four ceremonies. The first ceremony for San Juan Center graduates will be held at Brickworks in Friday Harbor on June 17, two ceremonies for the Mount Vernon campus graduates is in the Dave DuVall Pavilion on June 18, and a ceremony for the Whidbey Island campus graduates is at Oak Harbor High School on June 20. The Mount Vernon and Whidbey Island campus ceremonies will also be livestreamed and available on the SVC website.
SVC will be awarding a total of 852 degrees, certificates, and diplomas at its 98th annual commencement celebration to graduates ranging in age from 16-73.
“Commencement is a moment of great pride and reflection and it honors the perseverance, commitment, and achievements of our graduates,” said Dr. Christopher Villa, SVC president. “As they move forward, we celebrate not only what they have accomplished, but also the positive impact they will continue to make in our local communities and throughout the world.”
At the Mount Vernon ceremony, the prelude music will be presented by the Bellingham Pipe Band and the Skagit Community Band. Meanwhile, at the Whidbey Island ceremony, the Bellingham Pipe Band will provide the prelude music. The SVC Showcase Singers will be singing the National Anthem at both ceremonies.
At the Mount Vernon campus ceremonies, Brenden Perry, president of the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College, will address the graduates. Perry began as a running start student and is now completing his degree after three years at SVC. Brendan has served as Mount Vernon ASSVC president this year, after serving as the Safety, Transportation, and Parking Representative last year. He is also involved with Phi Theta Kappa, STEM Club, and Politics Club.
Perry has lobbied our state legislators to support students on issues such as housing, basic needs, the cost of textbooks, and more. He has served on the budget committee to determine how over $1 million in student fee dollars is spent annual on activities and services to support students. He is graduating with a 3.9 GPA and plans to transfer to the University of Washington to study aeronautical engineering.
At the Whidbey Island campus commencement, Marriah Pugh will address the graduating students. Pugh is an SVC nursing graduate and a Navy veteran. She brings a unique blend of discipline and compassion to her studies and future career in healthcare. Balancing her academic pursuits with a work-study position, Pugh exemplifies a strong work ethic and a commitment to serving others.
As a military spouse, Pugh understands the importance of support and teamwork, qualities that enhance her empathetic approach to patient care. With a passion for making a difference in the lives of those she encounters, Pugh is on a mission to combine her military experience with her nursing education to provide exceptional care and demonstrate the skills that she has developed at SVC.
About the SVC graduating class of 2025:
- Associate’s Transfer Degrees: 440
- Professional and Technical Degrees and Certificates: 401
- Running Start students receiving a college degree and graduating from high school: 83
- High School Diplomas: 48
- 38 students are graduating as President’s Medalist
- Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees: 2
- International students graduating from 12 different countries (Japan, India, United Kingdom, Canada, Gambia, South Korea, Italy, and Vietnam): 12
Beth Carpenter, Whidbey Island campus graduate, is receiving the Yates Award for showing outstanding leadership, community service, and academic achievement.
Melissa Lynch and Isaiah Parker are receiving the Lewis Award which is awarded to the overall outstanding graduating students from the Mount Vernon campus.
SVC awarded the President’s Medal to 38 students for having all A or A- grades and attending SVC for at least three quarters: Kenli Ashcroft, Katelyn Balora, Jacob Barkhurst, Macey Bethke, Mikaila Buday, Muhammed Cham, Zachery Crichton, Daniel Davis, Theresa Nicole DeCosta, Robert Ellis, Karina Feskova, Loren Frates, Sophia Gammons-Reese, Mia Guthrie, Shizune Haratani, Ellyse Hudec, Aiden Johnson, Casey Johnston, Kaitlyn Kelley, Camryn Kerr, Cameron Larsen, Sabrina Lundvall, Kimora Lynch, Jose Munoz, Vincent Mutai, Jean O’Neill, Hayden Pappas, Ethan Petrick, Grace Pilling, Blanca Ruiz-Cruz, Hannah Rustad, Jonni Seymour, Jonte Stevens, Torre Stotler, Kasi Thomas, Khoi Truongdang, Nicholas Wasik, and Ayden Wyman.
For more information, visit skagit.edu/commencement.