Eighteen hours of travel wasn’t going to keep Sgt. First Class Eddie Fofana ’21 from attending Columbia College’s Spring 2025 Commencement.
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration graduate flew in from Germany to earn his second degree from the institution, both completed through the Online Program. Fofana was among 344 graduates to cross the stage at the Southwell Complex on Saturday, April 26.
Originally from Liberia in West Africa, Fofana serves as an engineer in the United States Army.
“When I got my bachelor’s, I was deployed at the time and couldn’t make the ceremony,” Fofana said. “For my master’s, I told myself no matter where I was, I was going to come for the first time to campus and meet the wonderful folks who are part of this institution.”
Fofana has been in Germany the past two years in a 16-year military career that has taken him around the globe. He originally enrolled at Columbia College while stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, home of the college’s longest-serving military location.
“Columbia College has been very helpful,” Fofana said. “The college is military friendly, and I have had little to no issues. If I had to go to the field for training, all I had to do is get ahold of my instructor, and everything was smooth sailing.
“Yes, it’s tough out there, we get deployed a lot, but we can do college and take online classes and be successful.”
Moments before receiving his diploma, he spoke of his gratitude for his family members who were watching him graduate via the livestream of the ceremony.
“The big picture was to come here and graduate and walk across that stage,” Fofana said. “Butterflies are there. My stomach is inside out. It’s something that I’ve longed for and put in the work for, and I wouldn’t miss this opportunity for the world.”
Fofana graduated during the second of two ceremonies Saturday. The afternoon ceremony featured the School of Public Service and the School of Arts & Sciences, following the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, which celebrated its graduates in the morning.
Among the graduates crossing the stage were students hailing from the main campus, the Online Program and Columbia College Global locations nationwide.
Watson shares story of determination
MaKayla Watson proved the power of perseverance by not only achieving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing but doing so with a sterling academic record.
The Fulton, Missouri, native made the Dean’s List every semester at CC and achieved a 4.0 cumulative grade-point average to graduate summa cum laude. She has been a member of the Honors Program and earned induction into the Alpha Chi Honor Society.
She addressed fellow graduates in the afternoon ceremony about overcoming obstacles.
“Living with multiple sclerosis has been one of my most significant challenges,” Watson said. “There were days when the fatigue felt overwhelming, and the uncertainty of my condition weighed heavily on my mind. However, through the support of friends, family, and the strength I discovered within myself, I learned that every challenge is an opportunity for growth.
“My diagnosis has taught me resilience and the importance of community, and I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire you all to embrace your own challenges and find strength in vulnerability.”
Watson, a Day Program student, has been a member of the Student Nurses’ Association and TRiO Student Support Services, in addition to serving as a volunteer for the college’s annual summer nursing camp.
She has gained clinical experience at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute and University of Missouri Hospital, where she will begin her career in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). On Friday night at the Main Campus Nurses’ Pinning, she received the Clinical Excellence Award as part of an impressive nursing class with nearly 100% job placements.
Watson was selected as a Columbia College Alumni Association Scholar in 2024 and an NAIA Competitive Cheer Scholar Athlete in 2023. She encouraged the graduating class to celebrate not just their degrees, but the relationships and experiences gained during the journey.
“Every setback can be a setup for a comeback if we approach it with the right mindset,” she said.
Missey presses on to achieve milestone
Denise Missey realized a dream long in the making when she secured her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree at Spring 2025 Commencement.
As a first-generation college student, Missey earned her associate degree from Columbia College in 2017 alongside her husband, Drew, a Navy sailor.
She planned to go back to get her bachelor’s degree a year later, but a move to a new duty station and multiple deployments adjusted her focus to raising the couple’s daughter, Delilah, while also working full time in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where Drew is stationed.
“As with most, life got in the way,” Missey shared with a smile during her student address at the morning ceremony.
Much like her late father inspired her to accomplish her associate degree, the passing of Missey’s brother Joe in 2020 fueled her desire to continue her education.
She decided then she was done putting off her academic goals.
“I had to understand that he would want me to continue to live a life that I would be proud of,” Missey said of her brother.
She reenrolled to complete her bachelor’s degree through the Online Program, with flexibility that allowed her to balance family, work and school. Although she admits it has not been easy, she has been a regular on the Dean’s List, earning cum laude honors.
A dozen family members rooted her on as the High Ridge, Missouri, spoke to a packed gymnasium.
“Without the support of my family, I honestly don’t know if I would have made it this far,” Missey said. “Who knows, in the future, they may see me walking across this stage receiving my master’s degree!”
Husband, wife share special Commencement moment
Kari Arbova Ricks ’22 and Andrew Ricks coordinated the calendar for a special moment at Commencement.
The couple walked across the stage to earn diplomas at the same ceremony, with Kari earning her Master of Business Administration and Andrew earning his Bachelor of Science in Finance.
“I actually finished my MBA at the end of last year, but we wanted to walk together, so I waited so we can do this together and have this moment,” Kari said. “Because it has been teamwork, for sure.”
Kari starred on the softball field for the Cougars as she completed her bachelor’s degree three years ago, then continued at the college to obtain her master’s.
She serves as the global enterprise account executive at Healium, a health technology company.
“What I absolutely love about Columbia College is that I have met some of my favorite mentors here,” she said.
Andrew served five years in the United States Marine Corps before continuing his education at Columbia College with encouragement from his wife and his father.
“Stepping into the military takes you pretty far from the textbooks and that kind of routine, so it’s a little bit intimidating, but I can say for sure coming into Columbia College was an easy, smooth start and a lot better than what I anticipated,” Andrew said.
In completing his degree, Andrew grew his knowledge base as he launches a financial services company.
“Everything that I have absorbed has been valuable to me and I will continue to use it going forward,” Andrew said.
The couple said they intend to remain involved as alumni, never forgetting their roots.
“Thank you to everybody and the staff who has helped along the way and given us this opportunity,” Andrew said. “We will be in support of CC as alumni as far as we go forward.”
“We’re just super happy to graduate together,” Kari added. “It’s been a wonderful time.”
President, Provost applaud Class of 2025
In his remarks, President Dr. David Russell congratulated the Class of 2025 for the major milestone of their degrees.
“Graduates, no matter the path that led you here, we are gathering today to celebrate your extraordinary achievement,” Russell said.
He likened the graduates crossing the stage to taking an important step in a life of constant learning and renewal.
Many graduates will start or continue their career path, some will be back to pursue a graduate degree in a high-demand field, and others may be interested in obtaining a certificate from the college to further hone their skills, he said.
“I encourage you to throw yourself right into challenges, to commit yourself to building and maintaining quality friendships, and to pursue your passions,” Russell said. “Your degree has earned you a seat at the table, and I know you will be a positive force in making the people around you better as you continue your own journey of growth.”
Toward the end of the afternoon ceremony, Russell honored four students with Presidential Awards for earning a 4.0 GPA while completing the entire course of study for their bachelor’s degree with the college.
The 2025 Presidential Award honorees include Wesley Arndt, Bachelor of General Studies with Elementary Education certification; Grant Clark, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics; Ann Lemerande, Bachelor of Arts in English and Psychology; and the aforementioned student speaker Watson.
Dr. Sandra Hamar, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, told graduates that their strength, tenacity and focus are remarkable and they should take great pride as they cross the stage to receive their diploma.
“Your hard work and determination have paid off, and today is your day to shine in front of family members, friends and supporters,” Hamar said.
Jared Reichel ’16, vice chair of the Columbia College Alumni Association Advisory Council, officially inducted the new graduates into the Alumni Association.
“You are CC along with the 98,000 alumni with whom you share a common affinity,” Reichel said.
Graduates continue 125-year-old Ivy Chain tradition
On the day before graduation, members of the Class of 2025 participated in the time-honored tradition of the Ivy Chain Ceremony, which was held for the first time 125 years ago.
The ceremony is one of the nation’s oldest continuously held Commencement events.
Graduates processed from Atkins-Holman Student Commons onto Bass Commons and through Rogers Gate before gathering for a special program in Dorsey Gym, donning ivy chains over the shoulders that symbolize their connection with the college and their fellow classmates.
The program featured a performance by the Froman Treble Choir and a speech from graduate Cheyenne Heuman, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry degree.
“Through these years, we’ve learned more than just facts and figures,” Heuman said. “We’ve learned resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of collaboration, and the value of lifelong learning. There were times we doubted ourselves, but we kept going. There were moments when we stumbled, but we stood back up.
“To my fellow graduates — what an incredible journey it has been.”
Thank you, Kevin, it was an honor meeting you