2026 Southwestern Community College Graduation Ceremony

Commencement Notes

Processional

The nursing processional will begin at 4 p.m. The career and technical education and arts & sciences processional will begin at 7 p.m. Both processions will be led by college president Lindsay Stoaks, followed by members of the SWCC Board of Directors, faculty and staff, and graduates.

Recessional

At the conclusion of the ceremony, graduates will follow administrators, faculty, and staff. We ask for all graduates and families to exit the building and meet outside after the ceremony where they may take pictures. Please do not gather on the gym floor. Please wait in the gym until all graduates have exited the building.

Graduation Honors

Graduates wearing gold stoles are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for students in two-year colleges.

Graduates wearing red honor cords have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or above.

Graduates who are military veterans are wearing a red, white, and blue cord.

International graduates may be wearing cords in the colors of their national flags.

Photographs

Professional photographers are on hand to take photos of the ceremony. Graduates will be notified via email when photos are available on the photographer's website following the ceremony. Please do not congregate by the stage to take photos. We ask that audience members remain in their seats during the presentation of the graduates.

Cell Phones

For the enjoyment of everyone in attendance, please turn cell phones and or other electronic devices to silent mode or off.

About Southwestern Community College

President's Message

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome our graduates and their guests to campus tonight. Commencement is a wonderful opportunity to recognize and celebrate our students' accomplishments. Graduates, today, we celebrate more than diplomas - we celebrate determination, resilience, and the countless hours you've invested in your future. Whether you're heading to a new career or transferring to a four-year college, know that you are well prepared for your next chapter in life. Congratulations, graduates! We are proud of you and we cannot wait to see what you do next!

Lindsay Stoaks College President

Purpose Statement

Southwestern Community College provides students and community members with opportunities to gain skills and knowledge for successful employment, higher education achievement, and lifelong learning.

Vision Statement

Southwestern Community College will be the center of educational excellence for the advancement of our students and communities.

Board of Directors

Dr. Tony Cass President Creston
Mr. Fred Shearer Vice President Corning
Mr. Kevin Britten Red Oak
Mr. Taylor McClellan Afton
Ms. Amy Mobley Maloy
Ms. Carol Saxton Leon
Ms. Susan Stearns Woodburn

Ceremony Program

4 p.m. Ceremony 7 p.m. Ceremony

Nursing Commencement Ceremony

Processional* "Pomp & Circumstance" (Sir Edward Elgar)

National Anthem* SWCC School for Music Vocations (recorded)

Welcome Lindsay Stoaks SWCC President, Southwestern Community College

Introduction of Student Speaker Kim Bishop Dean of Student Services, Southwestern Community College

Student Graduation Address Isabelle Gaul, LPN RN Class President Harlan, Iowa

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Diplomas Kim Bishop

Conferring of Degrees and Diplomas Lindsay Stoaks

Practical Nurses' Presentation of Diplomas and Lamplighting Melissa Butler, MSN, RN Nursing Instructor, Southwestern Community College

Practical Nurse's Pledge Melissa Butler

Presentation of Registered Nursing Degrees Kim Bishop

Pinning of RN Students Family Member or Friend

Words of Congratulations Maureen Weaver, MSN, M.Ed., RN Nursing Department Chair, Southwestern Community College

Closing Kim Bishop

Recessional** "Pomp & Circumstance" (Sir Edward Elgar)

*Audience will rise for the Processional and remain standing until the National Anthem is over.

**Audience will rise for the Recessional.

Speaker

Isabelle Gaul, LPN

2025-26 RN Class President

Harlan, Iowa

Isabelle, the daughter of Erin and Jason Gaul, graduated as the valedictorian of Harlan Community High School's class of 2024. During high school, she was a four-year member of the dance team, a member of the National Honor Society, and a participant in the HOSA Club. At Southwestern, Isabelle was recently elected RN class president and also serves on the student senate. In addition to those leadership positions, Isabelle has been on the Spartan dance team for two years, served as dance team captain this year, and has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the college's academic honor society. Her future plans include moving to Omaha to begin working on the cardiac critical care unit at Nebraska Methodist Hospital.

Nursing Information

The Practical Nurse's Pledge

Before God and those assembled here, I solemnly pledge:

To adhere to the code of ethics of the nursing profession. To cooperate loyally with the other members of the nursing team and to carry out faithfully and to the best of my ability the instructions of the physician or the nurse who may be assigned to supervise my work. I will not do anything evil or malicious, and I will not knowingly give any harmful drug or assist in malpractice. I will not reveal any confidential information that may come to my knowledge in the course of my work. And I pledge myself to do all in my power to raise the standards and the prestige of nursing. May my life be devoted to service and the high ideals of the nursing profession.

History of the Nursing Lamp

Florence Nightingale is credited as the "Founder of Modern Day Nursing." She is also called "The Lady With The Lamp." During the Crimean War in Turkey, she visited the sick and wounded soldiers long after everyone else was asleep. Every night they looked forward to her visit providing comfort and care. The lighting of the Nightingale Lamp and reciting the Nightingale Pledge have become traditions held by nursing schools ever since.

Southwestern Community College was founded in 1966 when Iowa established a statewide community college system. Since 1966, there has been a practical nursing education program at the college. The practical nursing pin, a cross which is a symbol historically associated with the healing arts, is pictured on the lamp. The blue has been chosen to represent horizons, and the sunray detail is used on the cross to carry out that theme. The olive branch and ribbon are other symbols of peace and healing.

Career and Technical Education and Arts & Sciences Commencement Ceremony

Processional* "Pomp & Circumstance" (Sir Edward Elgar)

National Anthem* SWCC School for Music Vocations (recorded)

Welcome Lindsay Stoaks SWCC President, Southwestern Community College

Introduction of Student Speakers Kim Bishop Dean of Student Services, Southwestern Community College

Student Graduation Address Natalie Behnken Associate of Arts candidate, business, and Associate of Applied Science candidate, business administration Massena, Iowa

Student Graduation Address Braydon Holder Associate of Applied Science candidate, electrical technology Greenfield, Iowa

Presentation of Candidates for Degrees and Diplomas Kim Bishop

Conferring of Degrees and Diplomas Lindsay Stoaks

Closing Kim Bishop

Recessional** "Pomp & Circumstance" (Sir Edward Elgar)

*Audience will rise for the Processional and remain standing until the National Anthem is over.

**Audience will rise for the Recessional.

Speakers

Natalie Behnken

Associate of Arts candidate in business and Associate of Applied Science candidate in business administration

Massena, Iowa

Natalie, the daughter of Blaine and Kim Behnken, is a 2024 graduate of CAM High School in Anita, where she was extremely active, participating in various sports and activities, including FFA, 4-H, student council, choir, and speech. She was a three-sport student-athlete in softball, volleyball, and dance. Natalie was inducted into the National Honor Society and finished as salutatorian of her high school graduating class. Once arriving at Southwestern, Natalie quickly found ways to be involved. She has been a two-year member of the Spartan dance team, a two-year student ambassador, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Natalie is graduating from SWCC with two degrees—an Associate of Arts degree with a focus in business and an Associate of Science degree in business administration. Her future goal is to become a real estate agent.

Braydon Holder

Associate of Applied Science candidate, electrical technology

Greenfield, Iowa

Braydon Holder, the son of Spencer and Sharee Holder, is a 2020 graduate of Nodaway Valley High School in Greenfield. He came to Southwestern as an education major and earned his Associate of Arts degree in 2023. Braydon returned to Southwestern during the fall 2024 semester to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree in electrical technology. During his time at Southwestern, Braydon has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has achieved the President's List every semester. Braydon went the extra mile for SWCC students, working with college employees to supply fish and tackle equipment for Southwestern students to check out, filling their time as college students, and offering opportunities to enjoy the lakes in Southwestern's region. Upon completing his degree this summer, Braydon will be employed in the electrical field and work toward his journeyman license.

List of Graduates

Candidates for Associate of Arts

Theo Alexandersson Öhnell*†
Zane Baker*†
Natalie Marie Behnken*†
Steven James Bell
Alec Belter*
Ismael Jesus Bencosme
Eliot Johan Bergollo Vega
William Berry
Ryan Bokelmann*
Jocelyn Renee Brammer*
Brandon Briley
Abbie Bruce
Sydney Ann Cain
Dylan Alan Calvin
Brenna Nicole Cass*†
Casidy Cavanaugh
Daniel Andres Cepeda*
Danica Chamberlain*
Tasha Nicole Clark
Olivia Clarke*
Lucas Connolly*
Finley Cooper*
Crystle Gianna Cordero
Ethan Michael Crawford
Megan Dawn Culp*
Elías Rayshawn Culzac Gordon
Gabriel Steven D'Addario*†
Jimena De Leon Ovalle*†
Jayla Drake
Jacob Thomas Driskill*
Abigail Taylor Eaton
Tricia Lynn Ellis*
Briann Marie Estell
Carley Fagan*†
Preston Fleharty*
Bianca Flores
Emma Lang Follmann*†
Jenny Lee Fooken*†
Destiny Fredette
Sophia Kayann Freshour
Hannah Fry
Trevor Fry
Molly Marie Gennaro*†
Paige Gilbert*
Jaclyn Taylor Gordon^
Cloe Ann Guion
Andrew Guzman Contreras
Hannah Jewel Hackmann*
Amy Lynn Hall*†
Randi M. Hammons
Micayla Don Henson*
Brooke Herron*
Bailey Mae Hosbach*†
Rachel Suzanna Jaurigue*
Alexis Joint*†
Nevaeh Kerns
Kaydence Kirkland
Keirsten Paige Klein*
Tucker John Knox*
Floreen Marie Del Castillo Lacaya*
Joanna Marie Larson*
Ashley Lograsso-Allison
Elliot Lorentzon*
Amanda J. Malone*†
Mariah Mather*
Lindsay C. Maurer*
Joslynn Alene-Mae McCormick*
Maisy Dawn McCoy*
Jackson McDanel*†
Andraya McManis
Justin Ray Miller*†
Kyleigh Jaden Miner
Brianna Mitchell*
Adyson Morrison*
Freddie Muggeridge
Cassie Ann Nance*†
Joshua A. Nelson
Mallory Nicole Page*
Jacob Patterson*†
Luka Pecelj
Cadence Lynn Perkins
Adria Pickrell
Joslyn Rain Policky*†
Amillia Robinson
Zoie Rohrig*†
Kamarin Simmons
Joseph David Sitzman*
Aiden Reece Snodgrass
Tina Marie Spagnolo
Mariah Raelyn Sparks*†
Finley Noel Spencer
Gracelyn Spencer*†
Ryan Stiles
Mia Strunk*†
Hunter W. Swanson*†
Quinn T. Trilk*
Kaylie Nicole Twarek
Alexis Lynn Utley
Ella Ann Vanderflught*†
Zoey Clotene Fredericka Vandevender*
Jesania Torres Vargas
Monserrat Genaveve Velarde*†
Wilson Villanueva
Celia Athena Vondracek*
Owen J. Weis*
Madelyn Weston*†
Riley Whipple*†
Shellby Lynn White*†
Keye Willis
Nikoli Ja'Hari Wilson

Candidates for Associate of Science

Alfred Jesús Avilés Gayá
Carson Winona Mae Rea Bethards*
Krista Jo Clear*
Keely N. Coen*
Finley Cooper*
Ashley R. Downing
Jacob Thomas Driskill*
Bianca Flores
Paige Gilbert*
Kaydence Kirkland
Tristyn McKenzie Leymaster*
Brayden Mitchell
Christian Moyer
Bih Nkwenti Ndikum
Neh Michaella Nkwenti
Chloe Norman*
Brenna Marie Peterson-
Farnsworth
Zoie Rohrig*†
Kara Staton
Ryan Mathew Stevenson*
Wyatt William Throckmorton
Cassandra L. Trisler*
Amiya D. Watkins*†
Owen J. Weis*
Madison Grace Colleen Weston*

Candidates for Associate of Applied Science

Accounting

Mei Han*†
Christian E. Hansen*†
Bailey Mae Hosbach*†
Jarod Alexander Perez†
Agricultural Business
Jill E. Adolphsen*†
Dalanie Laura Anne Auffert*†
Austin J. Bronestine
Rylan Thomas Oglesbee
Chloe Ann Saville*
Angelina Lee Smith
Austin Louis Williams
Courtney Wojtowicz*†

Applied Engineering Technology

Gavyne Hansen*
Brian Tyrone Heath*
Jose Ruiz Rios*

Automotive Collision Repair/Refinish

Rachel Becker
Jasmine Hansen†

Automotive Repair Technology

Zachery Allen Clark*^
Aiden Kathman
Garrett Schrodt
Jace Everett Smith

Business Administration

Blair Rose Allen*†
Natalie Marie Behnken*†
Alexander Nicholas Cordrey†
Christian Hansen*†
Kodi Christine Kent*
Jacob Mangels*†
Kya Danae Newton*†
Clara O'Brien
Jenna Danielle Orr*†
Sarah Reasoner
Corrie Michelle Wray*†

Carpentry and Building Trades

Chaz Cornelison*
Isaac T. Currin*†

Computer Networking & Information Technology

Gracen Argo*†
William Collins*†
Cameron D. Hamilton

Electrical Technology

Dalton Barnes
Noah Bishop*
Brent L. Bounds^
Ryan Bower*
Elijah John Cowman*
Hayden Della Vedova Brummer*†
Ian Wilson Forsythe
Brock Aaron Gorman
Braydon Spencer Holder*†
Kambel Kirkland
Cole McNemar
Gunner Namanny
Deegan Neese
Evan Powell
Benjamin D. Randall*
Zachary Thornburg*
Miles M. White
Joshua Adan Zaragoza

Graphic Design

Robyn McKinney*†
Sylvia Rose McKnight

Livestock Production

Dalanie Laura Anne Auffert*†

Registered Nursing

Lindsey Alexander
Grant Allison*
Brenna Grace Baier
Brookelyn Jo Bakken
Alivia Lauren Bakley†
Maycie Barger
Dulce R. Baumgarn
Naomi Gonnie Begay
Samantha Billington
Amber Renae Blackwood
Harlee Nicole Comer
Devan DeHass
Emma Dorrell
Gavin Cole Evans*†
Isabelle Hope Gaul*†
Sophia Groumoutis
Brooke Kaitlyn Hale
Alyssa K. Hanna
Shelby Harvey Mullen
Sandy R. Hernandez
Michael David Hill, Jr.
Lexi Diane Jensen
Mercy Jepngetich
Lila Jean Jones†
Abigael Kendi Kaunga
Montana Jo Hope Kelley†
Kevin Kiprop
Sarah Kathleen Konz-Figgins
Audrey Kosgei†
Taylor Paige Locke
Zachary Ondieki Mainga
Erendira Ornelas†
Kameryn Jade Phelps
Logan Brooke Proctor
Amanda Russo
Madison Marie Sandel†
Stevie Michelle Sargent
Kasyn Shinn
Haley Simmons†
Saige Lucille Smith
Ruth Ellen Stec*†
Jillian Lara Valencia*
Karlie Renee Waller
Madeline White
Andrea K. Wilbourne
Kate Woods

Welding Technology

Daxton Allen Korthas
Beau Leslie Sallach
Lane Garrett Siemer
Easton Thomas Stringham

Candidates for Diplomas