RAISE Redefines What's Possible

RAISE Redefines What's Possible

• Students
• 05/27/2026

Rock Valley College (RVC) hosted its sixth annual RAISE Graduation Ceremony on Thursday, May 21 in the Stenstrom Student Center Atrium, where families, friends, and the community gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the graduating class.

The RAISE program is focused on Raising Aspirations through an Inclusive Student Experience and continues to support students ages 18-22 in building essential life and career skills.

Established in 2010, the program offers a one-year, two-semester journey focused on social inclusion, peer learning, and the development of independence, work ethic, and college readiness.

Kara Anderson, RAISE Program Coordinator, welcomed guests and highlighted three instructors who brought so much vision, creativity, and dedication to this program:

Shamra Ashman

For fearlessly teaching Financial Literacy, improving the curriculum to meet students where they are, and providing above-and-beyond support through tutoring, Disability Support Services, and peer guidance.

Cornell Bondurant

For his contagious enthusiasm, the positive energy he brings to the program as well as his Planning for College and Career Success class, and his natural gift for connecting with students.

Kendrick Branch

For teaching two classes: Technology for College and Beyond and Personal Empowerment, creating a classroom environment where students learned to better advocate for themselves. Using his instructional design expertise, he will help to improve the RAISE curriculum for Fall 2026.

Expanding that circle of gratitude, RVC President Dr. Howard Spearman took the stage to highlight the collective effort and access it took to get here.

In addition to showing his appreciation to the wonderful team, he thanked the students and their families for their unwavering trust and belief in the program, the individuals behind it, and Rock Valley College to help them achieve their goals.

Staff and administrators came together to honor the following graduates and present their certificates:

• Lilyanna Almond
• Skylar Cooper
• Yoselin Cruz
• Jennifer Figueroa
• Michael Findley
• Adorisse Gomez
• Janelle Knautz
• Josh Leake
• Hailey Matz
• Karina Mincemoyer
• Aiden Nolen
• Brian Schnier
• Jordan Turner

These individuals were invited to turn their tassels from the right to the left, symbolizing the completion of their journey up until this moment.

Each graduate stands as a testament to perseverance, growth, and the impact of an inclusive educational environment.

The RAISE program remains committed to empowering students to pursue personal, academic, and vocational success, while fostering meaningful connections within the college community.

Moving into the close of the ceremony, Kara shared an inspiring message with the graduates. Her remarks encouraged them to be proud of their achievements, reminding them that facing resistance doesn't mean they are wrong.

"As you take your next steps, you may encounter people who doubt you or your abilities. Don't let anyone tell you what you can do in this life. You are living proof of what happens when access meets ambition, effort, and action. Congratulations, RAISE class of 2026."

As the ceremony concluded, smiles, applause, and proud moments filled the room, sending this year's graduates forward with confidence and hope for the future.

"Each of you here today has done something that some people may have felt was impossible--you have graduated from a college program!"

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