News

Two BRCC commencements draw capacity crowds

By Lightning Reports, Published: May 10, 2025

The largest audience ever for a graduation day filled the Blue Ridge Conference Hall in Flat Rock to capacity for two commencement ceremonies for Blue Ridge Community College graduates on Saturday.

The college proudly celebrated nearly 350 graduates who earned about 400 credentials. The credentials equip students with the skills needed for today’s workforce and lay a strong foundation for continued education at partner universities. In reaching their goal, many of the graduates made use of the College’s Build Your Future Grant offered after Hurricane Helene, scholarships offered through Blue Ridge’s Educational Foundation, and the ongoing Next NC Scholarship.

Graduation is always a celebration, but following Hurricane Helene, the achievement holds special meaning.

“These past several months, you didn’t just meet the demands of college," college President Laura Leatherwood said. "You did it while facing one of the greatest natural disasters and recovery efforts our region has ever seen. This is on top of the obstacles and responsibilities you already faced in life. But you stood firm. You studied hard, day and night. You worked a job or several. You cared for children or family. You repaired homes and neighborhoods. You made ends meet. But more importantly, graduate, you adapted. You grew. And now, graduate, you’ve triumphed.”

Keynote speaker Mike Krause, managing director of the John M. Belk Endowment, served in the U.S. Army before beginning his studies at community college. He then went on to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In his career, he has gained over 15 years of experience in public policy and higher education leadership to his work, including service as the director of higher education for the state of Tennessee and the founding director of Tennessee Promise,  the nation’s first free community college program.

“Share your story with others," he said. "Tell them that Blue Ridge is a place where things become possible. In doing that, you will help them, you’ll help your community, and you will help this entire region,” Krause said. "None of us will ever forget the days and months after the storm. And because it's Appalachia, none of us have ever doubted that recovery is ahead, because that is the grit and determination you find in western North Carolina. But that recovery requires your talents and time, and I hope you’ll consider how you can leverage what you’ve earned here at Blue Ridge to lead this community back not just to where it was before the storm, but to somewhere better.”

At the first of two ceremonies, a special presentation honored this year’s Academic Excellence Award winner, Crystal Mortensen. Mortensen earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in Entrepreneurship after attending Blue Ridge as a fully online student. Along her journey, she also earned an Entrepreneurship Certificate and a Business Administration certificate in Digital Marketing & Graphic Design. In her time at Blue Ridge, she made  the Dean’s List three times.

Blue Ridge Community College’s Spring 2025 graduates* included:

Henderson County

Deborah A. Allen, Cosmetology
Dathan Sage Allison, Mechatronics Engineering Technology-Basic Technician
Johana Andrade Reyes, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Barbara J. Arndt, Medical Office Administration and Office Administration
Michael Scott Bailey, Associate in General Education
Jessica Lynn Banks, Human Services Technology-Social Services
Jennifer Gregg Barnes, Associate Degree Nursing
Lindsay Jellison Barnwell, Associate Degree Nursing
Natividad Angela Batalla Ordonez, College Transfer
Leslie Call Batchelder, Associate Degree Nursing
Jules Jean-Luc Bedard, College Transfer
Lora Elizabeth Bernhardt, Associate Degree Nursing
James Benjamin Besen, College Transfer
Gabriel Jacob Black, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Chelsey Nicole Bunker, Criminal Justice Technology
Samantha A. Butts, Cosmetology
Juliana Dariya Capps, Associate Degree Nursing
Morgan I. Carpenter, Cosmetology
Cadence R. Case, Cosmetology
Abigail H. Cash, Business Administration
Isabella C. Castelo, Cosmetology
Iris Lady Chavez-Resendiz, College Transfer
Kendra Dare Cheatham, Medical Office Administration and Office Administration
Katherin Giselle Cid-Hernandez, College Transfer
Betty Cobbs, Esthetics Technology
Rebecca Crain, Associate Degree Nursing
Rosalinda Delgado Garrido, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Lucas Burgan Dellinger, Welding Technology-Industrial Welding and Welding Technology-Multiple Plate Welding
Nicole Marie DeRosa, Cosmetology
Aiden M. Dickey, Welding Technology-Industrial Plate Welding
Roxanna Alexandra Duarte, Associate Degree Nursing
Shelley Cox Earley, Associate Degree Nursing
Ryan Eaton, Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Felecia Hope Edwards, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Rayne Ashley English, College Transfer
Kyle Nathaniel Farmer, Information Technology-Computer Programming & Development
Abram R. Fletcher, College Transfer
Katie A. Fletcher, College Transfer
Gloria Maricela Flores, Cosmetology
Erica Flowe, Associate Degree Nursing
Nathaniel Overton Fogel, College Transfer
Harry Lee Forbes, Human Services Technology-Social Services
Kaylee Lynn Foushee, College Transfer
Levi S. Fox, College Transfer
Joseph Arthur Foster Franklin, College Transfer
Dean Ashe Furbee, College Transfer
Natalia Gamez, College Transfer
Yasmin Garcia Torres, College Transfer
Magda Anahi Garza, Associate Degree Nursing
Alicia Adriana Gash, Associate Degree Nursing
Stella C. Gash, Business Administration-Basic
Micah Levi Gazaway, College Transfer
Ellyanna George, Esthetics Technology
Theresa M. Gibbs, Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Amanda Tompkins Gibson, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Kate Elizabeth Gilligan, College Transfer
Verenice Gonzalez-Leon, Business Administration
Kirsten Saltz Gosnell, Associate Degree Nursing
Stevan James Gosnell, College Transfer
Brandi Lynne Gray, Early Childhood Education
Elisa Leighann Gray, College Transfer
Chesnee Anitra Green, Esthetics Technology
Ayla Elizbeth Grier, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Kendall Marie Guinn, College Transfer
Elijah Wyatt Haile, College Transfer
Rodney C. Hayes, Automotive Systems Technology-MAST Level I
Jacqueline Hernandez, College Transfer
Karen Daniela Hernandez Hernandez, College Transfer
Jonathan Tyler Higginbotham, Associate Degree Nursing
Ashley Davidson Hill, Associate Degree Nursing
Jessie L. Hill, Cosmetology
Canyon M. Hilliard, College Transfer
Kailey Michelle Hodges, Horticulture Technology
Ethan Jay Hoffman, Welding Technology
Brooke Holbert, College Transfer and Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Sydney Marie Housinger, Associate Degree Nursing
Jaime L. Hubbard, Accounting & Finance-Payroll
Bradyn Elliott Hubert, College Transfer
Sketch Stone Huggins, College Transfer
Sabrina J. Hunter, Office Administration
Vanesa Kariny Ingram, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Jessica Sathyapriya Jayachandran, College Transfer
Connor T. Johnson, Business Administration-Basic
Drake L. Johnson, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Autumn Leigh Jones, Cosmetology and, College Transfer
Kaileigh E. Jones, Teacher Preparation
Julie Anne Sprinkle Justice, Associate Degree Nursing
Sarah Lynn Kazen, Associate Degree Nursing
Hailey Lynn Kessler, College Transfer
Tierra King, Esthetics Technology
Gabriel Michal-Madison Kirk, Surgical Technology
Stephanie Michelle Knowles, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Igor Kripak, Business Administration-Marketing & Retailing
Elijah S. Lacy, Welding Technology-Industrial Plate Welding
Nicholas Christopher Lacy, Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Emily M. Lance, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Wendy L. Ledbetter, Business Administration-Public Administration
Bryce Anthony Linden, College Transfer
Allen Joseph Lindsey, College Transfer
Ruby Lozano, Esthetics Technology
Alyssa Emily Maier, College Transfer
Michele Elizabeth Maloney, College Transfer
Kevin Manzanarez-Terron, Welding Technology
Crystal Renee Martinez, Associate Degree Nursing
Edgar Martinez-Medrano, College Transfer
Pablo D. Martinez-Ramirez, College Transfer
Bradley Noel Martinez-Rubio, Welding Technology-Industrial Welding and Welding Technology-Multiple Plate Welding
Seth Elijah May, Automotive Systems Technology
Ella Kay McKenzie, College Transfer
Jessica Medina, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Jonah A. Mendoza, Business Administration
Garret Nathaniel Metcalf, Cosmetology
Haley Elizabeth Millard, Associate Degree Nursing
Madison Flowers Montgomery, College Transfer
Rodney Kenneth Morgan, Automotive Systems Technology
Nicholas Jason Morway, College Transfer
Shannon Emily Mullinax, Accounting & Finance
Jamie Lauren Murtagh, College Transfer
Noah Vaughan Myslik, College Transfer
Elena Corrine Neal, Esthetics Technology
Mariana Nieto-Lopez, Esthetics Technology
John Emerson Nossiter, College Transfer
Madison Jane Ogden, College Transfer
Kelly Ann Olsen, Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Diego Ornelas, College Transfer
Emmanuel Ornelas, General Occupational Technology-Wingate Pre-Pharmacy
Pisithypong Ouk, College Transfer
Savannah Marie Owen, Cosmetology
Laura Ashley Owenby, Business Administration
Jacob John-Phillip Parker, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
Ashley Monroy Patino, College Transfer
Hannah R. Peary, Visual Arts
Jaquelyn Perez Fuentes, Surgical Technology
Molly Claire Hui Perry, College Transfer
Kyra Vallen Phillips, Associate Degree Nursing
Cheryl L. Plott, College Transfer
BayleeAnn Elizabeth Pollett, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler and Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Sadiesha R. Pope, Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Ethan M. Powell, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
Hannah Janelle Powell, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Larry V. Proctor, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Jimena G. Quintero, College Transfer
Jacob Lee Quisenberry, College Transfer and Business Administration-Graphic Design
Yaiza G. Ramirez, Esthetics Technology
Luis Alonso Ramos Amaya, Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Sydney Abigail Reardon, Esthetics Technology
David Samuel Reed, College Transfer
Sofia L. Rey, College Transfer
Emily Ann Reynolds, College Transfer and Accounting & Finance-Core
Brandon Cole Rhodes, College Transfer
Tatiana Marie Rivera, Cosmetology
Marisol Rodriguez, Associate Degree Nursing
Olivia Celeste Rodriguez, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Hunter Rodriguez-Ordaz, College Transfer
Eric Brian Rosas Escamilla, Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Dunia Saavedra, Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Jennifer Stephanie Salas-Orihuela, College Transfer
Yamilet Saldivar Osornio, Entrepreneurship
Ailin Alexandra Sanabria-Escamilla, Surgical Technology
Citlalli Sanchez Gonzalez, Associate Degree Nursing
Martin Erick Sanchez Lobato, Visual Arts
Joel Santos-Castillo, General Occupational Technology-Wingate Pre-Pharmacy
Krystina Jazmyne Shanklin, Cosmetology
Tristin Mitchell Shelton, College Transfer
Mia Anne Shin, College Transfer
Morgan Elizabeth Sitton, Esthetics Technology
Alec Michael Smolenski, College Transfer
Payton Margaret Snider, Teacher Preparation
Jasmine Sotelo Melendez, Associate Degree Nursing
Stacey Nicole Stephens, Associate Degree Nursing
Carlei Elizabeth Stepp, Associate Degree Nursing
Samuel R. Stepp, College Transfer
Yolanda Nicole Strong, Associate Degree Nursing
Liudmila Suhan, Associate Degree Nursing
Heather N. Taylor, College Transfer
Katie Ann Teleshuk, Esthetics Technology
Severin Abelardo Thoresen, College Transfer
Keith Tran, College Transfer
Jakelyn Urbina Espana, Esthetics Technology
Preston Veach, Welding Technology
William Evans Walker, Welding Technology
Brittany Lyn Wallen, Human Services Technology-Social Services
Katherine L. Weinbach, College Transfer
Avery J. Wentz-Moore, Mechatronics Engineering Technology
Hallie Rhay West, Associate Degree Nursing
Heather Grace Wetzel, College Transfer
Sarah Grace White, Associate Degree Nursing
Taylor Marie White, Business Administration
Daniel Justice Wicker, Welding Technology
Grace Batchelder Wilkie, Associate Degree Nursing
Arianna Leigh Williams, Nursing
Collin Reese Wilson, Associate Degree Nursing
Wyatt Montgomery Wood, Cosmetology-Instructor
Amos E. Yoder, Welding Technology
Dakota Hunter Youngblood, Welding Technology
Ana Teresa Zamora-Ledesma, Associate Degree Nursing
Jonathan J. Zuniga-Rodriguez, Welding Technology-Basic Welding

Alabama
Summer Michele Miller, Associate in General Education

Brunswick County
Amy Elizabeth Burke, College Transfer

Buncombe County
Sara Ann Ballew, College Transfer
Daniel Eugene Bass, Associate Degree Nursing
Seth Lee Bridges, College Transfer
Karla Paola Castillo, Early Childhood Education-Preschool
Jenna Rae Chitwood, Interpreter Education
Eli A. Cole, Information Technology-Network Management and Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Kirsten Scarlett Dean, Office Administration
Virginia Hicks Demere, Associate Degree Nursing
Emma Cadence Goff, College Transfer
Casey Cecil Price Jones, Associate Degree Nursing
Emily R. Lee. Accounting & Finance-Bookkeeping I
Wendy Nenette Maldonado, Visual Arts
Nadia Lauryn May, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Hannah Nicole McCarson, Early Childhood Education-Career Entry
Monica La'Kendra McDaniel, Early Childhood Education-Career Entry
Jasmine Reneé Middleton, Business Administration
Martha Quinones, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler
Andrew Noah Renegar, College Transfer
Ian Daniel Renegar, Associate Degree Nursing
Roni Israel Rivas, Business Administration-Basic
Brittany Dawn Marie Rodulfo, Associate Degree Nursing
Lindsay Kristine Satchell, Interpreter Education
Sydney A. Stilber, Esthetics Technology
Sawyer Davis Tolbert, College Transfer
Emily Frances Ulaner, Esthetics Technology
Littlebird Nicholas Willow, Interpreter Education
Daniel Tyler Yeakley, Information Technology-Network Management and Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity

Cabarrus County
Taylor Catherina Holloman-Pressley, Nursing

Cumberland County
Jakia Baird, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler

Durham County
Katherine Hope Grady, Business Administration-Public Administration and Administration-Leadership Studies

Guilford County
Erin Katherine Houser, College Transfer

Haywood County
Madeleine Grace Sheppard, Esthetics Technology
Kyle Anthony Snowden, Business Administration-Marketing & Retailing and Business Administration-Graphic Design

Hoke County
Jerome A. Figgs II, Accounting & Finance

Mecklenburg County
Faeona Grace Veasey, College Transfer

New Hanover County
Jeff Rue, College Transfer

Polk County
Morgan Rae Banther, Business Administration-Graphic Design
Stephanie Rae Burgos, Elementary Education Residency Licensure
Alexandra Jordan Farrell, College Transfer
Nadia Susan Milks, Associate Degree Nursing
Preston G. Moore, Welding Technology-Multiple Plate Welding
Sarah Paige Perrin, Medical Office Administration
Ellison Ruth Phillips, Associate Degree Nursing
Jaidyn Elaina Smith Surgical Technology
Caley Victoria Tessnear, Esthetics Technology
Chesnee E. Thomas, College Transfer
Lisa Marie Wessel, Early Childhood Education-Preschool

Robeson County
Delores Calloway Covington, Interpreter Education
Megan Edena Locklear, Interpreter Education

Rutherford County
Jose L. Duron, Business Administration-Graphic Design
Yeleny G. Gonzalez, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Jonah Zane Hatch, College Transfer
Melissa Ann Lovette, Business Administration
Tiffany Darnell Williams, Early Childhood Education-Infant & Toddler

South Carolina
Chance W. Malbon, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Amanda Marie Nadolny, Surgical Technology

Swain County
Makala Q. McGaha, Manicuring & Nail Technology

Transylvania County
Leyland D. Benjamin, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Lee R. Birchfield, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Audwin D. Brittain, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Axel B. Cagle, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Elijah D. Casey, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Aysha Tawiyela Chapman, Esthetics Technology
Kaeden Clark, College Transfer
Rachel Elaine Clay, Associate Degree Nursing
Cheyenne Devinity Clayton, Welding Technology
Elizabeth Ann Daves, Associate Degree Nursing
Wilsen S. Degarmo, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Christy Diane Dills, Cosmetology
Aiden M. Dodson, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Ashlyn McKenzie Dodson, Associate Degree Nursing
Andrew Joseph Eberhardt, Associate Degree Nursing
Miles B. Felty, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Kristi Linn Ferguson, Teacher Preparation
Max Grady Fletcher, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology
Christy Naomi Hendrix, Business Administration-Public Administration
Chay Henninger, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Gabrielle McKinnly Hightower, College Transfer
James Peter Knierim, Accounting & Finance
Greg Allen Marshall, College Transfer
Jacob W. Mayabb, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Koltt J. McCall, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Summer Hana McCarthy, Associate Degree Nursing
Kenley B. Meece, Criminal Justice Technology
Kaylee Morgan Mestas, College Transfer
Kelbie E. Miller, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Crystal E. Mortensen, Entrepreneurship
Bethany DeAnn Myers, Cosmetology
Sydney T. Orr, Business Administration-Banking & Finance
Jackson Trace Owen, Welding Technology
Jackson W. Owen, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Brooklin M. Pruitt, College Transfer
Christopher L. Reese, College Transfer
Nadia Christine Revis, Cosmetology
Emma Nicole Rice, Esthetics Technology
Kierra A. Riddle, Esthetics Technology
Bobby L. Riggs, Information Technology-Networking & CyberSecurity
Megan Elizabeth Robinson, Early Childhood Education
Skyler Dawn Shelton, College Transfer
Dillon G. Tinsley, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Sara B. Transue, Human Services Technology-Social Services
Samuel Milton Tynch, Business Administration-Marketing & Retailing
Sierra Amber Villanueva, Esthetics Technology
Nathan B. Warner, Automotive Systems Technology-Auto Electric Drive
Chazney James West, College Transfer
Kaiden J. Worley, Welding Technology-Basic Welding
Emma E. Wright, Manicuring & Nail Technology
Schuyler A. Young, Welding Technology-Basic Welding

Virginia
Allysa MacDonald, College Transfer

Wake County
Brian M. Lafever, Accounting & Finance-Payroll
Jeffrey P. Link, Business Administration and Business Administration-Leadership Studies

Watauga County
William Landry Whitaker, Horticulture Technology

Yancey County
Skylar Raines, Associate Degree Nursing
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About Blue Ridge Community College
Blue Ridge Community College is a two-year, post-secondary institution that elevates the educational experience to prepare students for 21st-century success in the workplace or at four-year colleges and universities. Providing real-life, affordable, and accessible education, the College offers more than 200 degrees, diplomas, and certificates; more than 200 online courses; and fast-tracked job training. To learn more about Blue Ridge Community College, visit blueridge.ed