With cheers, applause, and heartfelt reflections filling the Harris Center for the Arts, Folsom Lake College launched the first of several graduation ceremonies this week, celebrating a milestone day for the Class of 2025. The college conferred 1,651 degrees and 268 certificates to 1,013 graduates, marking the culmination of years of determination, perseverance, and growth.

“This afternoon, we celebrate you,” Folsom Lake College President Dr. Art Pimentel told the crowd as he opened the first of two ceremonies held Thursday. “We recognize your hard work and determination that brought you here. At Folsom Lake College, we like to say it’s your bridge to success. You are now crossing the first of what we hope is one of many bridges on your road to greatness and success.”

Pimentel’s remarks set the tone for an afternoon brimming with pride, resilience, and purpose. “Graduates, those of us who have served as guides on your path to graduation are here to honor your hard work,” he said. “This is one of our favorite days of the year.”

With families, friends, faculty, and local dignitaries filling the rows of the performing arts venue, the ceremony opened with the national anthem performed by the Folsom Lake College Falcons Choir. What followed was a series of uplifting and deeply personal speeches from campus leaders, student representatives, and distinguished guests—all honoring the Class of 2025 and the transformative power of community college education.

Speaking on behalf of the college’s faculty, Professor Paula Cardwell delivered a heartfelt and humorous message that resonated with graduates and families alike. “For your faculty, this day is a lot like Christmas,” she said. “Not just because it’s the end of the year, but because we get to see you achieve your dreams. It’s one of the greatest gifts we can receive.”

Cardwell encouraged graduates to embrace their next chapter boldly. “Go forward with the confidence of a four-year-old in a Batman t-shirt,” she said. “You are not just awesome—you are Falcon awesome.”

Classified Senate President Colleen Cohen added levity and sincerity as she saluted the students on behalf of the classified professionals who support campus life behind the scenes.

“Let’s be honest—your ability to find parking at 3:00 p.m. alone deserves a standing ovation,” she quipped, earning laughter from the audience. “We’re kind of like the Wi-Fi—you might not always see us, but you definitely notice when we’re not there.”

Cohen acknowledged the everyday obstacles students overcome to succeed. “Each of you has faced your own unique challenges. Some were big, like balancing work, school, and family. Others were small, like remembering your login for the 37th time. But all of it is meaningful. You didn’t give up.”

She concluded with words of encouragement from Walt Whitman, made popular again through television: “Be curious, not judgmental,” urging graduates to explore their futures with openness and compassion.

Student Senate President Alisha Negpal, who also graduated Thursday evening, reflected on the journey that brought her to this moment—and how Folsom Lake College helped her grow in unexpected ways.

“My time here has been nothing short of transformative,” she said. “From my very first day on campus in the fall of 2022, I was embraced with open arms, presented with countless opportunities, and given the chance to grow under the mentorship of this incredible community.”

Negpal’s message was one of unity and empowerment. “Our student government exists only to serve you, the students. You are the heart and soul of Folsom Lake College,” she said. “Please be proud of yourselves. Every ounce of effort, every bit of perseverance, every moment of sacrifice has led you to this very moment.”

Los Rios Community College District Chancellor Dr. Brian King continued the theme of reflection by reminding students of the importance of the day. “May 22, 2025,” he said, asking graduates to repeat the date aloud. “This is one of the most important days in all of your lives. You will never forget it.”

King encouraged students to complete two final assignments—reach out to a faculty member who made a difference and thank a family member or loved one who supported their journey.

“Sometimes we think good things about someone, but we don’t tell them,” King said. “Do it this week. Let them know the impact they had on you.”

King also highlighted how many students now earn degrees through courses at multiple Los Rios colleges. “Your diploma will say Folsom Lake College, as it should,” he said. “But the truth is, you’ve benefited from a wonderful family of colleges.”

Trustee John Knight, representing the Los Rios Board of Trustees, offered further praise for the graduates and the sacrifices they had made. “You have all sacrificed so much to be here today,” he said. “Remember the classes you never thought you’d enjoy, but ended up loving. The people you never thought you’d meet, who are now lifelong friends. And the degree you never thought was possible—that you are here today to receive.”

Knight recognized that not all graduates know their next steps, and reassured them that’s okay. “Some of you are still figuring out what to do next,” he said. “That’s okay. It’s okay to take a little break and focus in on your vision and your dreams. You did this. And whatever comes next, you can do that, too.”

Student speaker Hailey San Filippo, who earned three associate degrees and plans to pursue a career as a nurse practitioner, shared an emotional and relatable reflection that drew deep applause.

“Today isn’t just about what’s next—it’s about what we’ve accomplished right now,” San Filippo said. “For many of us, this represents years of hard work, growth, and perseverance.”

She opened up about returning home from Santa Barbara City College and finding belonging at Folsom Lake College. “Folsom Lake College gave me more than just an education. It gave me confidence both in the classroom and in myself,” she said. “I learned that intelligence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something that you build.”

San Filippo praised the friendships and lessons learned at Folsom Lake College and encouraged her classmates to embrace their individual journeys. “Whether that’s clubs, sports, academics, or work, you’ll fit in somewhere—you’re bound to,” she said. “You already belong.”

President Pimentel returned to the stage to close the ceremony with a deeply personal story from his early days as president, when he met a father who was determined to enroll all three of his children at Folsom Lake College.

“Boy, did he take me up on that offer,” Pimentel said with a smile. “This spring, that father called me again—not to ask more questions, but to share that his wife had cancer, and that helping their youngest child enroll was her final wish. Knowing their children were receiving a college education gave her peace of mind.”

That story, Pimentel emphasized, was a testament to the purpose of community colleges. “We take our commitment to heart—‘al corazón.’ And we will continue to do so.”

In his final charge to the Class of 2025, Pimentel offered words of hope and resolve: “You have learned to take a position and defend it, whether it was popular or not. You have faced uncertainty countless times—and you are here today because you found a way forward. That is the opposite of fear. That is courage.”

As faculty members Jay Anderson, Diana Tinoco, and Carlos Lopez read the names of graduates, cheers echoed throughout the Harris Center. Degrees were conferred by Dr. Pimentel, Chancellor King, and Trustee Knight in a moment of celebration that marked the final milestone in the graduates’ time at Folsom Lake College.

“Build upon the foundation you have laid here,” Pimentel said in closing. “Let your passion and love for learning guide you toward a tomorrow filled with purpose, enjoyment, and fulfillment.”

Upcoming area graduations that follow include Oak Ridge High School on Friday, followed by Folsom Cordova Unified School District graduations next week. Vista del Lago High School and Cordova High School will hold their ceremonies next Friday. FolsomTimes.com will be live-streaming all three ceremonies in partnership with FCUSD.

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