After being unable to attend his daughter’s high school graduation due to his military service, Navy Sailor Yosniel Valdez ’15 ’22 made sure he was present as she earned her diploma during Columbia College’s Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony.
Better yet for Mia Valdez: Her dad received a degree during the same ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Southwell Complex on main campus in Columbia, Missouri.
“It means the world to me that my dad is not only attending my graduation, but graduating with me,” said Mia, who earned her Associate in General Studies. “Walking together is something I never imagined would happen, and it makes this milestone even more special. Sharing this moment with him is an honor I’ll never forget.”
Yosniel, the S-8 Leading Chief Petty Officer aboard the USS Ronald Reagan, achieved his Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management – his third degree from Columbia College.
He graduated moments before watching Mia, an aspiring Air Force dentist, receive her diploma.
The Valdezes were among 222 graduates to earn their degrees during the ceremony from the college’s three academic schools, including the Robert W. Plaster School of Business, the School of Arts & Sciences and the School of Public Service.
“To not only attend Mia’s graduation, but to graduate with her, is one of the greatest honors of my life,” Yosniel said. “As a father, it means everything to stand beside her in such an important moment. Out of all my accomplishments, this one carries the most meaning not because I’m receiving a degree, but because I get to share this milestone with her.”
The family traveled from Washington state to Missouri for the graduation, an experience Yosniel described as “personal, emotional and deeply fulfilling” in a way he will never forget.
“Being part of her story, in a moment she’ll remember and maybe one day tell her own family about, is something I’ll always treasure,” he said. “Standing in the same auditorium and on the same stage, witnessing her success firsthand, makes every sacrifice worth it – the underway (time at sea), the missed birthdays, even missing her high school graduation.
“This moment brings it full circle.”
Eckett ’09 shares his multi-faceted CC story
Jim Eckett ’09 understands the experience of being a student in both the Day and Online programs at Columbia College.
Eckett previously earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration on main campus. He addressed fellow graduates at Fall 2025 Commencement shortly before receiving his Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in IT Project Management, which he completed online.
“Thinking about Columbia College’s statement, ‘A future built by you is a future built for you,’ I reflect on exactly 20 years of being a member of this learning community, a sort of bridge representing a traditional and non-traditional student – both of whom are equally given a chance by our college,” said Eckett, whose mother, Rebecca Van De Mark ’77, started his family’s CC legacy that he now continues.
With his bachelor’s degree in hand a decade and a half ago, Eckett boarded a flight to Thailand after accepting his first post-graduation job as an English language teacher, because, to use his words, nothing says “career plan” like moving across the world with a diploma and a suitcase. That leap turned into several years of teaching and backpacking throughout Asia and Europe.
He returned home in his late 20s, and his career then took a few purposeful detours: He became one of the top insurance agents in the country, served as a trainer for other agents and pivoted into tech as he helped three Kansas City area startups grow.
Now serving as the head of technical operations at a technology company, he encouraged the Class of Fall 2025 to let the excitement of their accomplishment serve as fuel for their futures.
“As your education here was a product of getting out of it what you put into it,” he said, “so too will your future careers and your continued personal development reflect how much effort you must continue to put into your ‘why.’”
Shaw capitalizes on ‘second chance’ to earn degree
Cassie Shaw always wanted to be a nurse, but at times that goal felt beyond her reach.
She enrolled at Columbia College out of high school, but life took her another direction and she entered the workforce to provide for her family. As her daughters Bryleigh, 13, and Sophia, 10, got older, she reached out to the Admissions Office at the college.
Shaw was matched with Senior Academic Advisor Tracey Ratermann, who encouraged her to still pursue a nursing degree and fulfill her dream of becoming an ER nurse. While working two jobs, including as a 911 operator in Boone County, Missouri, Shaw returned to Columbia College to finish what she had started years earlier.
“Columbia College has offered me the opportunity to get my degree and provided the flexibility needed to accomplish my goals,” said Shaw, who earned her Associate of Science in Nursing at Fall 2025 Commencement. “I never thought nursing would be possible, at least not for the foreseeable future.
“I now have the opportunity to do what I’ve always wanted – maybe not as soon as I wanted, but we are getting there nonetheless!”
This accomplishment is not just for her; it’s for her and her daughters, she said.
“I’m excited for the journey ahead,” she said, “and forever thankful for second chances.”
Barton achieves ‘more than just a degree’
Just weeks after giving birth to her third son in 2020, Sydney Blayk Barton started her journey with the Columbia College Nursing Program. A new mom all over again, she juggled sleepless nights while caring for her other two children, all while trying to keep up with schoolwork.
“But I had a dream for myself and my boys to become a nurse and show them that no matter how hard life gets, no matter the obstacles that come about, you never stop fighting for what you love,” she said.
A year later, life changed in ways she never expected when she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurological autoimmune disease. The diagnosis and the effects of the disease tested her in “every way imaginable,” she said.
“I remember sitting in my hospital bed, terrified of what the future would look like for me, wondering how I could possibly keep going with school, motherhood … just everything,” Barton said.
“But somehow I did.”
Barton refused to give up, studying even when her hands trembled, writing papers while her kids were sleeping beside her or while her youngest was in the middle of breastfeeding. At Fall 2025 Commencement, her dedication culminated in her Associate of Science in Nursing degree.
“I can honestly say that this is more than just a degree for me,” she said. “It’s proof that hope and determination can carry you through anything.”
Pendleton enjoys homecoming to Missouri
Nevaeh Pendleton enjoyed a homecoming of sorts as she graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Human Services.
A Missouri native, Pendleton traveled from Beale Air Force Base in northern California to attend Fall 2025 Commencement with her husband, Cody, and their young son, Carter. Family members from Missouri and Illinois also were on hand for the celebration.
Pendleton’s father, James Henley ’09 ’12, holds his Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Columbia College and has served as an adjunct instructor.
“When I joined the military, I wanted to take a little piece of home with me, and for me that was attending the same school that my dad went to,” says Pendleton, who served in the Air Force for four years and currently works at the child development center on the base where her husband is stationed.
Pendleton earned her associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force, utilizing Columbia College for those classes. Her bachelor’s degree represents an achievement five hard-earned years in the making.
“Columbia College has definitely made it simple with expectations and deadlines,” she said of her experience as a student. “The syllabus provided by all of the professors and on the website is what helped me get through each class without any issues. All of the staff is so kind and has been so helpful.”
President, Provost, CCAA chair congratulate grads
In his remarks, President Dr. David Russell shared reflections from his five decades in public service to encourage members of the Class of 2025 as they embark on their journeys.
After five years leading the institution, Russell will retire in 2026.
“As you move forward in your lives and careers, I encourage you to be flexible and embrace things that may be uncomfortable to you,” he told the graduates. “Take bold leaps of faith, and be patient with yourself – and others – as you navigate new challenges.”
He reminded the new alumni that the Columbia College family remains here for them, and their connection to the nearly 175-year-old institution will stand the test of time.
“No matter what is next, all of you have an opportunity to make a difference,” Russell said as a final encouragement to the graduating class. “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.”
Dr. Sandra Hamar, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, told graduates that their strength, tenacity and focus are remarkable, and they should be proud of their accomplishments.
“You hard work and determination have paid off, and today is your day to shine in front of family members, friends and supporters – including the faculty who are committed to your success,” Hamar said.
Jared Reichel ’16, chair of the Columbia College Alumni Association (CCAA) Advisory Council, welcomed the graduates into the CCAA, which fosters lasting relationships and sustains the college’s traditions.
“As Columbia College prepares for its 175th anniversary in 2026, your graduating class has the special distinction of helping CC close in on 100,000 alumni worldwide,” Reichel said.
