AWC celebrates commencement May 16
April 30, 2025Yuma, Ariz. (April 30, 2025) – Arizona Western College, in collaboration with Northern Arizona University-Yuma, Arizona State University Local, and University of Arizona-Yuma, is pleased to announce the 2025 Commencement on Friday, May 16th.
The commencement ceremony will celebrate 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 honored at the event will be obtaining more than one certificate or degree.
“Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning,” said Ana English, Dean of Enrollment Services & Athletics. “On behalf of Student Services, we wish you all the best on your new journey.”
At the end of the academic year, AWC will have issued over 2,500 degrees and occupational certificates, including Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) certificates, which prepares students to transfer to a four-year university.
The ceremony is open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 16 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, 7150 E. 24th Street, next to Gila Ridge High School.
The commencement ceremony will be aired live on cable channel 74, via AWC’s Facebook page (no account needed to view), the official AWC YouTube channel, and at azwestern.edu/live.
Alexia Gil has been selected as the 2025 AWC Student Commencement Speaker. Alexia’s speaker bio can be viewed below, along with details on 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.
2025 Commencement speaker bios:
Alexia Gil – AWC Speaker
Alexia Gil was born in Mexicali, B.C. and raised in Somerton, AZ. She attended Kofa High School. High school was a very challenging stage of her life, as she had just moved from Mexico to the United States. But it was also a beautiful and memorable period in her life; she met new people, discovered a new place, and learned a new language, all of which made her happy, especially knowing that she was making her parents proud with everything she was achieving. Alexia is graduating with an associate’s degree in engineering, but also in mathematics, science, physics, and the arts. She plans to transfer to The University of Arizona, where she intends to earn an Industrial Engineering degree and one day start her own home building company.
Alma Jans – ASU Speaker
Alma Jans was born in San Luis, Mexico and raised in Yuma, Arizona. She attended Cibola High School, where she did cheerleading, cross country, and was part of the National Honors Society. At Arizona Western College, Alma earned her Associates of Arts in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Emphasis in 2017. She later transferred to Arizona State University, where she achieved the Dean’s List for the Teacher’s College. After earning their Bachelor of Arts in Education, she plans to continue teaching in the community of Yuma.
Ryan Rodriquez – NAU Speaker
Ryan Rodriquez is a firefighter, paramedic, resilience coach, and #1 bestselling author. As the founder of IGNITEd and through his coaching group The Forge, Ryan empowers individuals to push past their perceived limits and embrace their full potential through grit, discipline, and purpose. He is known for his passion for building strong, resilient teams. When he's not leading others to personal and professional growth, Ryan is a devoted husband and father who values family above all else.
Josue Nunez – UA Speaker
Josue Nunez came to the United States from Mexico when he was 14 years old. Knowing no English at the time, his education throughout high school and college was extremely challenging, but he clung to his childhood dream of one day becoming an Engineer. Surrounded by the support of his parents, grandparents, uncles, and cousins, he made that dream a reality. Josue believes in the power of creativity and the discipline it takes to accomplish your dreams.
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Contact:
Elena Valenzuela
Graduation Specialist
Arizona Western College
graduation@azwestern.edu
(928) 344-7613