Celebrating the Class of 2025: A Season of Achievement Across Iowa Valley
At MCC, the Student Activity Center buzzed with excitement on May 16 as graduates, faculty, and families gathered to celebrate. Among the graduates was Devyn Crosser, who earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing and plans to work at Allen Hospital in the ambulatory department and while working towards her BSN. Another standout, Zander Stupp, is set to pursue Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University.
Earlier that day, ECC held its commencement in the Martin Ellsworth Dittmer Gymnasium. The ceremony highlighted the achievements of students like Marlene Johana Hernandez Matul, who earned her Associate of Arts in Fine Arts with honors, and David VanDyke, who gained international experience through an agricultural internship in Germany. Also honored was longtime district board member Larry Johnson, who received an Honorary Degree from the Ellsworth College Trustees for his exemplary service.
Iowa Valley Grinnell also celebrated its graduates, recognizing students who have demonstrated resilience and dedication. Their achievements reflect the strength of our community and the support systems that have guided them throughout their journeys.
Notably, 50 of our graduates balanced high school and college coursework, showcasing exceptional commitment. Their success underscores the effectiveness of our concurrent enrollment programs and the strong partnerships between our colleges and local high schools.
This semester also saw our students excel beyond the classroom. ECC students shone at the National Professional Agricultural Students Conference in Wyoming, earning top honors and demonstrating the practical application of their studies. This spring also marked another breakout season for MCC’s Esports program, which has quickly become one of the college’s most dynamic co-curricular success stories. The MCC Tigers earned top national rankings, with several players receiving offers to continue competing at four-year institutions. Beyond the wins, these extracurricular activities fostered community, academic support, and leadership development for dozens of students outside the classrooms.
As we celebrate these milestones, we also look ahead with optimism. The achievements of the Class of 2025 inspire us to continue fostering environments where students can thrive academically and personally. To our graduates: your hard work and perseverance have laid a strong foundation for your future endeavors. Congratulations on your well-deserved success!