Graduation is often measured in credits earned and degrees conferred. But for the Spring 2026 graduates of Columbia College, the milestone tells a much deeper story.
Behind every name is a journey shaped by persistence, sacrifice and the decision to keep going, even when the path forward wasn’t clear. Some students resumed their education after years — or decades — away. Others made the most of their formative experience on main campus.
These graduates come from different backgrounds and life situations, but they are united by a shared determination to reach this moment. For many, crossing the stage on Saturday, May 2, is about more than personal achievement; it is about honoring family, setting an example for others around them and opening doors for future generations. It represents not just the completion of a degree, but the start of something new.
The following reflections, shared in their own words, represent CC success stories:
Eraste Bishazi
“My journey to this degree has been anything but traditional. I came to Columbia as a refugee, carrying not only my own dreams but also a deep sense of responsibility for my family. From the very beginning, I felt morally obligated to support them in every way I could. … Today, I work at City of Refuge as a Career Empowerment Specialist. My role is centered on helping others become the best version of themselves, just as I have worked to do in my own life. My journey has shaped my purpose: to uplift, guide and empower others to overcome their own obstacles. Graduation is not just a milestone for me; it is a symbol of hope, persistence and the belief that no matter how long the journey takes, it is never too late to finish what you started.”
Bella Dablemont
“My experience as a student at CC has been an amazing one! I’ve deeply enjoyed the tight-knit community that exists within the Art Department in particular. I’ve learned to not only to collaborate with my fellow student artists, but also to establish friendships and trust between people I otherwise would have never met. … My time at CC was unexpected. I could have never anticipated the friendships I would develop within the small-but-mighty Art Department. I also could never have anticipated my switch into Art History and pursuing higher learning past my bachelor’s degree. I’ll miss it all so much!”
Bridget Eaton
“My journey to graduation at 45 hasn’t been about one big obstacle; it’s been about learning how to keep going, even when life doesn’t slow down. … Walking across that stage means more than earning a degree. It’s a moment my kids helped build. It’s proof that growth doesn’t have an expiration date. And if there’s one thing I hope people take away from my story, it’s this: Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply start again, and keep going.”
Nadia Fanjul Sanchez-Porro
“Balancing graduate studies with responsibilities as a coach and as an educator working with young children has not been easy, but it has been deeply fulfilling. Each experience has strengthened my belief in the power of education, faith and mentorship to transform lives. Graduation represents more than an academic milestone — it’s a celebration of resilience, faith and gratitude for the people who believed in me when things seemed uncertain. I’m proud to walk across the stage not only for myself, but for my family back home and for every student and athlete who has faced obstacles of their own.”
Araceli Harris
“Not long ago, I was close to failing high school and unsure of where my life was headed. Because of my immigration status, the future often felt uncertain, and pursuing higher education seemed almost impossible. I never imagined that one day I would be graduating from nursing school or making the Dean’s List. Everything changed in 2022 when I became a U.S. resident. That moment opened doors I once believed were permanently closed and gave me the opportunity to pursue a dream that once felt out of reach. Now, in 2026, that dream is becoming a reality as I graduate from nursing school at Columbia College. This journey has not been easy. There were many challenges along the way, but each one taught me resilience, strengthened my determination and helped me grow into the person I am today.”
Krystal Hatley
“I want to start off by saying how much being in school has changed my life for the better. It’s encouraged me to be a better me for myself and others around me in my life. It’s given me opportunities that I didn’t think were possible, and it’s given me the confidence within myself again. I didn’t think it was possible to feel as if my life has meaning again. … I want to thank Columbia College for the opportunity to be a part of your school. I’ve never thought going back to school would be so beneficial to me and my life.”
Millard (Wayne) Head
“What stands out most from my experience at Columbia College is the people. I couldn’t have finished this degree without my advisor, Emily Hirdler, who kept me on track and encouraged me when I had doubts. Professors like Jeanette Gold, Lisa Rodgers and Gary Massey also made a real and lasting impact on me. Graduation is a childhood dream come true. It’s also a chance to show those who invested in me that their time and effort meant something, especially my wife, Melissa. My hope is that this accomplishment makes her and everyone who’s been part of this journey proud.”
Charles Jackson
“When I enrolled at Columbia College, I was still rebuilding — emotionally, financially and academically. I was working long hours, navigating debt and trying to find stability after a difficult period of loneliness and isolation. But Columbia became the place where I found my footing again. I learned how to balance life and school, how to ask for help, and how to trust myself as a student. … Graduating now means everything to me. It represents resilience, healing and the belief that it’s never too late to rebuild your life. This degree is not just a credential; it’s a symbol of the person I’ve become and the future I’m stepping into.”
Jacqueline Jensen
“This graduation ceremony means a lot to me. I have been excited since I began my last semester at Columbia College. I started college on my 17th birthday. Through these last four years I have been through six total moves, including moving from Missouri to Iowa. I have had to work full time to support living on my own since I was 16, and it was difficult at times being enrolled in college full time and working full time. When I transferred to Columbia College, it got easier being able to complete my degree online. It was still hard work but I knew I could safely work full time and complete my school.”
Gloria Johnson
“I originally started my college journey after graduating high school in 2015. I had no clue what I wanted to do, so I jumped from major to major — pre-engineering, then psychology, then business. Eventually, I entered the workforce and decided I didn’t need college at all. … (Years later), I knew I had to make a change. Going back to school felt like my only real option. I chose statistics because I genuinely enjoy numbers and analytics. Being a single, full-time working mom taking two classes every eight weeks was not easy. Finding time for everything felt impossible at times — but I did it. Now, after graduation, I plan to continue my education and pursue a master’s degree.”
Marci Lammers
“What stands out the most to me about my experience at Columbia College is the strong sense of connection and personalized support. Throughout my time here, professors, staff and fellow students have consistently had my best interests in mind. They have served as mentors and a support system, listening to my voice and helping me grow both professionally and personally. I have felt both challenged and well supported in pursuing my goals and passions. To me, graduation represents more than just an accomplishment; it is the foundation for my future. It reflects the growth, resilience, confidence and leadership I have developed during my time here.”
Jack March
“Columbia College is a place that makes me feel like I belong. Everyone here is so warm and welcoming. This is an environment that is built on connection. It was super impactful for me to be able to have these strong connections with my professors and my fellow classmates. … The Science Department at Columbia College has not only pushed me academically but has supported me with real world situations. This school consistently puts me and my classmates in positions that will help prepare us for working in the field or in grad school. … (Entering college), I didn’t expect to meet such amazing people who would become some of my closest lifelong friends. I also never imagined having this much fun in school and making so many memories during my time here.”
Kenny Miller
“Columbia College has been truly transformative. … When I first arrived on campus as a freshman, I struggled to connect with others and find my place. Like many students, I felt uncertain and unsure of where I belonged. However, as time went on, I began to open up, step outside of my comfort zone, and get involved by attending campus events and meeting new people. That decision changed everything. What once felt overwhelming became a community where I built meaningful relationships and created lasting memories. … My journey is a testament to how uncertainty can turn into opportunity.”
Brittany Morrow
“Graduation means so much to me. After starting school on and off over the years and thinking I could never finish due to many different obstacles, I finally registered again. This time the greatest obstacle came my way. … While still pursuing my dreams to finish my bachelor’s degree, I underwent a brain surgery called Craniectomy Decompression. This has been my biggest challenge yet and I am still committed and still focused! This degree is going to mean more than any job position or career status ever could to me and my family!”
Paul Morpurgo
“I enjoy getting to play soccer and have such a good network of friends and staff at a smaller school, all while being next door neighbors with a big SEC school like Mizzou— you get the best of both worlds. … I feel like my degree program has overall helped me the most with my interpretation skills and critical thinking. Learning the material was always the easier part, but then applying it in numerous case studies helped me learn how to use the material. My degree program is also setting me up to be able to provide real contribution to whatever firm I go to. … By senior year, I have so many different friends here I have created through soccer, classes, clubs or just meeting through mutual friends in any of those categories. CC makes it so easy to make friends and I am grateful for that.”
Kayla Myers
“This has become such a personal journey of not just getting my degree but finding my strength, becoming closer to my family, and finding that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. Graduation means more than just the degree I am about to receive. I am showing my kids that no matter where life takes you that you can still accomplish your goals. I am 33 years old and even though my timeline may be different than others, it is OK. It does not matter how long it takes or how many times you restart as long as you make it to your destination, which is all that matters. In this journey, not only have I had to make sacrifices, but my kids have too. Crossing that stage will not just be my moment; it will belong to them as well.”
Alexus Nevils
“Graduating means more than just earning a degree. It represents resilience, growth and the example I am setting for my children. I want them to see that no matter what life throws at you, you can still rise, stay focused and accomplish your goals. This moment is also bigger than me. It reflects how far my family has come and the foundation I am building for our future. Walking across that stage is a reminder that I turned challenges into motivation and made it to the finish line.”
Sue Porth
“Choosing to return to school later in life was both exciting and intimidating, but it became a commitment I made to myself — to prove that it was never too late to change your path. … This milestone is even more significant because I will be the first person in my family to graduate from college. Being a first-generation college graduate means a great deal to me. It represents breaking a cycle and showing that no matter where you start, education and determination can open doors that once felt impossible. I hope my journey encourages others in my family to believe they can pursue opportunities they may not have thought were within reach.”
Heather Shickles
“Choosing to go back to school as a mom of three young children was not an easy decision. It required a lot of sacrifice, time and support from my family. However, it was a dream that my husband continually encouraged me to pursue, even when I doubted myself. That dream was to become a nurse. … Graduation represents perseverance, growth and the fulfillment of a dream I once thought might not be possible. More importantly, it marks the beginning of my career as a nurse, where I hope to care for others and make a difference in their lives.”
Madeleine Shylanski
“Columbia College has given me everything. Soccer brought me to Columbia College, but I was able to find so much more in addition to athletics. Columbia College gave me the chance to personalize my education. Having the opportunity to be an English major allowed me to read and write every day, things that I love to do, but it also gave me the chance to form amazing bonds with my professors. I looked forward to classes every day because they were fun, interesting and conversational, and I always felt that my ideas were heard, appreciated and impactful. Not only was I able to major in something that I am passionate about, I was also able to add on two minors, be a student ambassador for three years, and play collegiate soccer. I thought I was just going to be a soccer player at Columbia College but turns out, I’ve been able to be so much more.”
Deborah Smith
“When I graduated from high school, I didn’t have much hope in higher education at the time. I started working for my parents at their bakery and stayed there for 10 years. I wanted to be a therapist so I could one day maybe help someone the way I was helped as a child. But I knew I would have to go to school to do that, and it scared me, so I waited. I waited that whole 10 years. Then I realized I had to at least try. Try to do what I love. … It’s because of CC that I’m able to achieve my dreams. The dream so many people told me I would never have.”
Amanda Szydlowski
“What stood out to me the most while at Columbia College was the incredible community. From the very start I knew I had people there who were rooting for me and providing me with encouragement and support in all my endeavors. Never once did I feel out of place or alone while at Columbia College. To me graduation means the closing of an amazing chapter of my life that now gives me the opportunity to choose my next one. Graduation reminds me of all the people who have helped me get this far and to remember what all the hard work is for moving forward.”
Stuart Thompson
“Graduating from Columbia College means a great deal to me because it represents finishing something that I started more than 30 years ago. … Over the years I worked my way up through the ranks and eventually became the Assistant Director and Major with the Mexico Public Safety Department in Missouri, all without having completed my degree. … Returning to college later in life while working full time was not easy, but it was important to me to finally complete what I started. … Graduation is meaningful to me because it closes a chapter that began many years ago and shows that it is never too late to finish something important.”
Marianna Tomc
“I love being able to call CC home. I love walking across campus, being in class, or working my campus job and knowing every face I pass. It feels like a little family truly. Everyone is so welcoming and so kind. I have felt like I belonged here the moment I toured campus as a senior in high school. … College was an adjustment, and it took me awhile to figure out who I wanted to be as a person for the rest of my life. CC does such a great job in letting me figure out who I want to be, and surrounding me with a community that will be a part of my life forever.”
Joy Ugochukwu
“For me, this graduation is more than just earning a degree; it is the result of a journey filled with sacrifice, resilience and unwavering determination. Over six years ago, I left Nigeria and stepped into a completely new chapter of my life. I had to adjust to a new environment, a new culture, and a new way of life. … Columbia College became more than just a school; it became a place where I found myself and truly belonged. The courses were challenging, and nursing school pushed me to my limits. There were moments I felt stretched beyond what I thought I could handle. But the instructors made all the difference. … This journey has stretched me, challenged me, and shaped me into someone stronger. Every obstacle taught me something. Every difficult moment built the strength I stand on today. And now, here I am standing. Not just because I earned this degree, but because I never gave up on myself. This is only the beginning.”
Riley Wassilak
“What stands out most from my Columbia College experience is having the opportunity to serve as a student ambassador for three years. Being able to welcome new students, share my experiences and represent the college community has been incredibly rewarding. I have developed leadership skills, confidence and a stronger sense of community through this experience. It also allowed me to create many valuable friendships that I will carry with me long after graduation. Graduation means carrying these skills with me into my nursing career. I have practiced kindness, support and guidance through this experience, and I will continue to use those skills as a nurse. Graduation means elevating my servantship in a meaningful way.”
