Pueblo Community College celebrated its 2025 graduates with ceremonies this week in Pueblo and Mancos. Pueblo and Fremont campus graduates were recognized May 15 at the Colorado State Fairgrounds. Southwest campus students graduated May 17 at Mancos-Cortez High School.
In all, 1,130 students graduated from PCC’s three campuses, earning 1,312 degrees and certificates from four divisions – arts and sciences, business and advanced technology, medical and behavioral health, and health professions and public safety. Among this year’s graduates are 42 students who earned a bachelor’s degree from one of PCC’s nine bachelor-degree completion programs.
This year’s class also includes 462 high school students who earned 616 degrees and certificates through the concurrent enrollment program. Concurrent enrollment enables students to earn college credit while still in high school. Tuition costs are covered by each student’s school district, potentially saving families thousands of dollars.
Another 500-plus PCC students who were not part of the graduation ceremonies earned mini-certificates, which are fewer than 16 college credits.
PCC President Chato Hazelbaker recognized students, faculty and staff as unsung heroes. Such heroes, he said, have three traits: They know they can overcome the odds; they are community builders; and they dream big.
“You are unsung heroes because you overcame tremendous odds to accomplish what you have achieved today,” he said to the graduates. “Whether it was balancing a job or a family – or a job and a family – you put in the time needed to learn, to develop a new skill, to demonstrate expertise.
"(This) is my first commencement at PCC and I couldn’t be prouder to spend today with you and the unsung heroes on the faculty and staff who have been part of this tremendous first year. Together, we have accomplished a lot – but the most important thing that we have accomplished is that we were there beside you as you finished your time at Pueblo Community College.”
Each year, a PCC committee selects two students – one from the Pueblo and Fremont campuses and another from the Southwest campus – as the President’s Distinguished Scholars. The award goes to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and commitment to excellence and will be transferring to a four-year school to complete a bachelor’s degree.
This year’s recipients are Ryan Montez (Pueblo) and April Salvatore (Mancos). Montez graduated with a degree in social work and will transfer to Colorado State University Pueblo. Salvatore earned a degree in elementary education and will attend Fort Lewis College in Durango this fall.
Cañon City businessman and philanthropist Walter Schepp was recognized with an honorary bachelor’s degree for his continuing contributions to PCC. Schepp and his late wife, Gloria, began their involvement more than 20 years ago with the Fremont campus,
providing substantial financial support for campus improvements and scholarships. His most recent gift will fund the creation of a nursing simulation center on the Fremont campus.
Schepp also serves on the Fremont campus advisory board and was a member of the PCC Foundation.
