MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave College celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 55th annual commencement ceremony Friday, May 15, at Anderson Fieldhouse in Bullhead City.
The ceremony honored more than 921 students who earned a combined 1,123 degrees and certificates. Among them were 97 Early College students age 18 and younger who earned certificates or degrees before graduating from high school.
The ceremony featured remarks from college leaders, recognition of student achievements, the conferral of degrees and certificates, and a message of congratulations from Dr. Chrissy Holliday, who will begin serving as Mohave College president in July.
“Graduates, this is your moment,” Dr. Holliday said in a video message. “Every class, every late night, every challenge you pushed through has brought you here. Whether you earned a certificate, an associate degree, or completed college coursework while still in high school, you have accomplished something truly meaningful.”
Mohave College Interim President Dr. Tim Culver congratulated graduates and thanked the family members, friends, faculty and staff who helped students reach the milestone.
“The graduates you see before you have a lot in common, but there is one thing that stands out: their desire to improve their lives through education,” Dr. Culver said. “The investment of time, money and energy that these students have made will result in more opportunities and a higher quality of life for themselves and their families.”
The ceremony also included special recognition of Dr. Julie Bare, board president, who received the Mohave College Founder’s Award for her 18 years of service on the board.
Kelsey Curry, a Lake Havasu Campus student pursuing an associate degree in early childhood education, served as the student speaker. Curry shared her story of balancing college, motherhood and personal challenges while raising her 11-year-old son, who has special needs.
“My child became my greatest motivation, my reason to keep going even when the road seemed impossible,” Curry said. “As I accept my degree today, I do so not just for myself but for my child, for all the single parents, for everyone who has ever doubted themselves and for anyone who dares to dream, despite the odds.”
Curry encouraged her fellow graduates to remember the strength they built along the way.
“The late nights, the doubt, the setbacks, the discipline when no one is watching, that’s the journey,” Curry said. “Embrace hard. It’s shaping you. Every challenge is building strength you’ll need at the top.”
During the ceremony, Mohave College also recognized Jade Mitchell as the 2026 recipient of the Kathy Hodel Most Outstanding Student Award. The award honors a graduating student who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership, service and perseverance. Mitchell received a $10,000 cash award to support her future goals.
Additional student recognitions included Early College graduates, military veterans and service members, students graduating with honors, Student Activities Council members, honor society members, All-Arizona Academic Team members and the college’s first graduating student-athletes from the Mohave College men’s and women’s soccer programs.
Culver closed the ceremony by officially conferring degrees and certificates before introducing the Class of 2026 as Mohave College alumni.
“Graduates, you are now part of the Mohave College alumni family,” Culver said. “You have challenged yourself and found success. Continue to challenge yourself and find ways you can give back to your community. And, as always, remember you are a Bighorn.”
For those interested in becoming a student at the college, visit Mohave.edu and/or get started now by filling out a new student profile at FutureBighorn.com.
