By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Over the spring, Rio Salado College recognized thousands of students who reached their academic goals.
This year, our graduates earned:
- 3,080 Certificates of completion
- 673 Associate degrees
- 244 High school equivalency (HSE) diplomas
- 133 Post-baccalaureate Teacher-in-Residence certificates
- 33 Post-baccalaureate certificates
- 15 Academic certificates
Graduates at both the annual commencement ceremony in May, and the HSE graduation ceremony in June, highlighted the ways that Rio Salado let them fit education into their busy schedules. Many pointed to the flexibility of online learning, and the availability of adult education programs that helped them better their lives.
Read below to learn more about why these graduates chose Rio Salado College.
You can also watch a video playlist to hear from more members of the Class of 2023.
Stephanie Shapiro – “I have taken at least two classes a semester at Rio since 2018. I was even able to work full time and still do school during Covid. I felt like I was a star after finishing my degree.”
Tegan Bernard - “Dual enrollment classes are a huge help in getting ahead. I will finish my bachelor's degree early, work on master’s degree quicker, and enter the job force even faster.”
Alicia McNeil - “Online classes are great. As a single mom with two jobs, I needed to be able to study and complete assignments anytime. Finishing my paralegal degree was easy to do. Rio has always been easy to work with, affordable and flexible.”
Cassandra Munoz - "I graduated high school in Mexico, but my transcripts weren’t accepted in the USA, so I had to start over to get my diploma. I enrolled at Rio, started a new job, and moved into a new apartment. It was a lot of change in a short time, but it was all worth it.”
Gael Munoz - “When I learned of the challenges my sister had with her transcripts, I decided to join her in the Rio Salado program and get started on my future. I am so much further ahead after just a few months at Rio than I would have been if I had stayed in Mexico."
Andrew Adamson – “Getting my degree was one of the best decisions I have ever made. My degree helped me get a job in the recovery and behavior health field. All of the Addictions classes I took at Rio taught me something that I can carry with me in my career.”