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A new generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers took center stage today as Edmonds College celebrated its 59th commencement ceremony at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. The energetic event brought together families, friends, faculty, staff and distinguished guests to applaud the hard work and resilience of the Class of 2026, the college said in a news release.
This year, more than 1,800 students were eligible to receive their GEDs, high school diplomas, professional certificates and associate degrees. More than 500 of these students proudly walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. The ceremony also marked a major milestone for 37 graduates who earned their bachelor’s degrees directly from Edmonds College.
The ceremony, emceed by Leslie Rossman, chair of the College’s Communication Studies Department, included powerful messages of perseverance and ambition, according to the news release. Attendees heard from Edmonds College President Amit B. Singh and Student Government Executive Officer for Administration Tiffany Mphepo.
“Years from now, I hope you will not be remembered only for what you achieved, but for how you treated people, how you lifted others up, and how you used your talents to make a difference,” Singh said.
The highlight of the program featured deeply personal addresses from two remarkable Tritons: student speaker Nhi Nguyen, a resilient pre-nursing graduate who balanced motherhood and healthcare work to earn her degree, and keynote speaker Tyler Ekse, an Edmonds alumnus and former UW Air Force ROTC Wing Commander who was accepted into the world’s most elite fighter pilot training program.
Nguyen’s final message to graduates was to live life without regrets. She said, “Wherever life takes you next, keep going, even when you are unsure. Trust yourself. Sometimes the only difference between where you are and where you want to be is the decision to continue.”
In Ekse’s message, he said to embrace the past, but keep looking forward toward the future. “Tonight is proof that you are capable of more than you were when you started,” he said. “Be proud of what you accomplished here. Look forward with confidence, not because the path will be easy, but because tonight proves you know how to keep moving. And never let where you started decide where you stop.”
Graduates and families looking to view or purchase professional photos from the ceremony can access the gallery hosted by Gradimages.com at edmonds.edu/commencement.
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