News
AWC to award historic number of credentials at spring commencement
May 5, 2026Community invited to celebrate student achievement
Yuma, Ariz. (May 5, 2026) – Arizona Western College, in collaboration with Northern Arizona University-Yuma, Arizona State University Local, and University of Arizona-Yuma, is pleased to announce the 2026 Commencement on Friday, May 15th. This year, AWC will be issuing over 3,200 degrees and occupational certificates, the highest number ever awarded in the college’s history.
“This milestone reflects the growing momentum of college-going culture in our region and the life-changing opportunities our students are pursuing,” said Dr. Daniel Corr, AWC President. “Each credential represents a step forward not only for our graduates, but for the strength and future of our community.”
AWC will recognize graduates from across Yuma and La Paz counties, including local high school students earning Associate of Arts degrees through the Dual Credit program. Many graduates will be obtaining more than one certificate or degree.
The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 15, at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 7150 E. 24th Street, next to Gila Ridge High School. The event is open to the public and will also be livestreamed on AWC TV at azwestern.edu/live.
Jeff Kleinwachter, a military veteran and Gila Ridge High School alumnus, has been selected as the 2026 Student Commencement Speaker.
“Commencement is more than a ceremony, it’s a celebration of perseverance, growth, and the hard work we’ve all put in to reach this moment,” Kleinwachter shared. “As graduates, including those of us who have served in the military, we’ve taken unique and often challenging paths to get here. We invite our community to come out and be part of recognizing these achievements and the journeys behind them.”
Kleinwachter’s speaker bio can be viewed below, along with information about student speakers from our local university partners sharing in the commencement activities.
For information and updates regarding this year’s commencement, visit azwestern.edu/commencement.
2026 Commencement speaker bios:
Jeff Kleinwachter – AWC Speaker
Jeff Kleinwachter, a Yuma native who attended Gila Ridge High School, proudly served eight years in the United States Army and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. At Arizona Western College, he has been actively involved in Military and Veteran Services, supporting fellow student veterans in navigating education benefits and transitioning to college, while also earning his SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) certification. In recognition of his dedication, he received the Ray Torres Military and Veteran Memorial Scholarship. Kleinwachter is graduating with an associate degree in business and a certificate in organizational leadership and plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management, with the goal of building strong workplace cultures and supporting veterans entering the workforce.
Jocelyn Andrade – ASU Speaker
Jocelyn Andrade is from Somerton, Arizona, and has a deep passion for helping others that has shaped her journey into social work. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from Northem Arizona University in December 2024 and completed her internship at Amberly's Place, where she supported individuals and families impacted by domestic violence through advocacy and crisis intervention. Jocelyn plans to pursue clinical licensure and continue working in direct practice. She is the first in her family to earn a master's degree, a milestone she is especially proud of. Throughout her college years, she has dedicated herself to service, including creating a scholarship through her church to support first-generation students in their journey obtaining higher education and volunteering in programs that assist families in need.
Sugehis Stoddard – NAU Speaker
Sugehis Stoddard is a graduating student at Northern Arizona University-Yuma, earning her degree in elementary education with a bilingual endorsement. Originally from Mexico, she brings over 20 years of experience working in schools as a paraprofessional, supporting English language learners and students in special education. Her journey in education has shaped her deep commitment to inclusive classrooms where every student feels seen, supported, and capable of success. Sugehis is passionate about early literacy, language development, and building strong connections with students and families. She plans to continue serving her community as an elementary teacher, dedicated to empowering diverse learners and giving back to the community that shaped her.
Josett Clark – UA Speaker
Josett Clark will graduate from the University of Arizona Yuma with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Systems Management, having developed a passion for applied agricultural research within Yuma’s desert production systems. She has gained hands-on experience through internships with the UA Yuma Agricultural Center and Cooperative Extension, contributing to research in irrigation management, integrated pest management, and agricultural community outreach, including field research, laboratory data analysis, and collaboration with industry professionals. Josett has been recognized for her academic achievement and leadership through multiple scholarships, including the Western Region CCA Scholarship, Yuma County Agricultural Producers Scholarship, and the All-Arizona Academic Team Scholarship, and is an active member of MANRRS. Following graduation, she will begin her career as a Research Technician focusing on soil health, with a commitment to advancing practical solutions for growers and the broader Yuma community.
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Contact:
Elena Valenzuela
Graduation Specialist
Arizona Western College
graduation@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7613