PENDLETON, Ore.-Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC) held its graduation ceremony at the Pendleton Convention Center on June 11.
BMCC class of 2025 by the numbers
- 312 students graduated with the class of 2025, 149 of whom walked at graduation
- Graduates ranged in age from 17 to 74
- 21 high school students graduated with A.A. degrees through the early college credit program
- 32 graduates participated in the TRIO program and were the first in their families to attend college
- 40 student athletes representing all sport programs at BMCC graduated
- 163 students graduated with honors or high honors
- 5 graduates are veterans
BMCC President Dr. J. Mark Browning
“We do not arrive anywhere of this kind of significance on our own,” Dr. Browning reminded the class of 2025 before asking them to look around them at their fellow students, BMCC staff and families that helped along the way.
“Keep learning, keep pushing, keep humility in your hearts and gratitude foremost,” said Dr. Browning. “Keep inspiring, because that’s what you’ve done for us over the time that you’ve been here, now go forward and inspire those around you.”
Keynote Address: Mazie Hill
“This moment isn’t just mine, every person graduating today has their own story of perseverance,” said Hill, a student in the TRIO program, who will be transferring to Portland State University to study Sociology.
“No two paths are the same, but all of them require grit, determination and heart, and that’s what makes the BMCC experience so extraordinary,” Hill said. “It’s filled with people who never gave up, no matter what stood in the way.”
Honoring the class of 2025
Charles Wood III, an enrolled member of the Umatilla Tribe, performed the traditional “Honor Song” as a blessing and honor before BMCC graduates crossed the stage and received their diplomas.
