Search | Menu We made it: Madison College graduates celebrate achievements, resilience
When Karen Contreras enrolled in Madison College, it meant adapting to a new country, a new culture, and leaving behind the family she loves. At the Dec. 18 commencement ceremony, she stood at the podium and told her fellow graduates it was all worth it.
"Today is a day to celebrate the late nights, hard conversations, midterms and finals, laughter with classmates, and the deadlines that made us question everything,” Contreras said. “Somehow, we still managed life, school, work, family, friends, sleep… and we made it here. That alone is an achievement.”
A first-generation student from Colombia, Contreras earned an associate degree in Fitness, Recreation & Wellness Management. Chosen as the student commencement speaker, she said her experiences in and out of the classrooms at Madison College prepared her for what comes next.
Courage, leadership and growth
Dressed in bright blue caps and gowns, hundreds of graduates listened as Contreras reflected on the Class of 2025's collective journeys of commitment and triumph, while family and friends cheered from the audience, holding handwritten signs, flowers and balloons.
As with many graduates, Madison College didn’t just help Contreras academically — it helped her become a better person.
“When I look back, I see moments of courage, leadership, growth, and showing up even when I was scared or unsure. And I’m proud of that. I hope you are proud of your journey, too,” she said.
There was a lot to celebrate: 1,483 graduates earned 1,659 degrees and diplomas, including some students completing more than one credential. Graduates ranging in age from their teens to 62 and older were part of the 2025 fall commencement. Nursing, university transfer and emergency medical technician programs had the largest number of graduates.
President honors WolfPack graduates
In her first commencement since becoming president in July, Dr. Jennifer Berne emphasized the lasting impact of graduates’ hard work and investment in their futures.
Berne reminded graduates that the skills they learned at Madison College will stay with them forever: “You started here. You will continue everywhere.”
Highlighting the college’s more than 180 programs, Berne referenced the hands-on skills learned across disciplines, from nursing and automotive technology to CNC machining.
“So many of us have benefited from our bakery and pastry graduates, whose skills to inject cream and custard into donuts and cakes have brought joy to so many,” Berne said with a smile, before turning serious. “These skills you acquired at Madison College will take you to your next academic pursuit or into the workplace.”
Berne predicted graduates’ future contributions to the health and prosperity of the community and welcomed them as the newest Madison College alumni: “Graduates, your accomplishments are part of a shared legacy between Madison College and the communities we serve. You are now a part of Madison College history.”
