By Mira Radovich, Senior Contributing Writer
Sometimes the most powerful journeys begin with a single decision to try again.
For Ira Steele, that decision changed everything. After nearly two decades away from school and years of personal challenges, he is now preparing to graduate from Rio Salado College and take the stage as this year’s student commencement speaker.
Rio Salado College’s Commencement ceremony takes place Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix.
Returning to college wasn’t always part of Steele’s plan.
“After nearly 20 years away from school, the thought of returning to the classroom was intimidating,” Steele said. “I struggled with addiction and spent periods of my life in and out of jail. At times, I came close to losing hope entirely.”
But change often begins with encouragement from someone who believes in you. For Steele, that person was his sister, Joanna.
“Much of my success can be credited to my sister, Joanna, who encouraged me to ‘just take one class — even if you fail, just take it,’” Steele said. “That gentle push and her belief in my capabilities sparked something inside of me that I did not know existed.”
What started as a single class soon became something much bigger.
“My academic journey began with a simple thought: taking one class,” Steele said. “Today, it has led to earning a college degree and discovering a renewed sense of purpose in serving others.”
At Rio Salado College, Steele found the academic pathway he was searching for.
“I chose Rio because it was one of the only online colleges offering the Addictions and Substance Use Disorders program,” Steele said. “That was the path I wanted to take, and Rio made it possible for me.”
Online Learning and College Support
Online learning came with its own challenges, but Steele quickly found how to stay disciplined and focused.
“Sometimes I missed being in a classroom, but I grew to like the structure of online learning,” Steele said. “Having to stay accountable helped me take real ownership of my education.”
After earning a 4.0 GPA in his first semester, he challenged himself to maintain that level of excellence.
“Reaching graduation began with a simple commitment: to make learning a priority in my life,” Steele said. “To do so, I willingly sacrificed much of my free time, working nights and weekends, to stay focused on my studies.”
Along the way, Steele found inspiration in his coursework— especially in one class that helped strengthen his skills and confidence.
“ASD275 (Advanced Theory and Techniques in the Treatment of Addiction Disorders) was by far my favorite class,” Steele said. “It made me think more deeply about using different approaches in real life, not just learning them in theory.”
Steele also credits his instructor, Julie Petersen, for pushing him to succeed.
“She was firm but very fair,” Steele said. “Because the class was challenging, I remember looking forward to her highlighted remarks on my assignments.”
Steele also found support through Rio Salado resources, including the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, which helped guide him through scholarships and academic support services.
“Those resources, combined with the encouragement of my family and mentors, played an important role in helping me stay focused and continue progressing toward graduation,” Steele said.
Today, Steele applies both his education and personal experience in his professional life. He currently works with Casa Grande Alliance, where he supports individuals navigating recovery and reentry after incarceration.
“Being able to walk alongside others as they rebuild their lives has reinforced my belief that education, support, and opportunity can truly change a person’s trajectory,” Steele said.
Ultimately, Steele hopes to combine his education and lived experience to help others overcome challenges and create brighter futures.
“I hope to use both my education and lived experience to help others realize that their past does not define their future,” Steele said. “If my story demonstrates anything, it is that transformation is possible,” Steele said. “Sometimes all it takes to change a life is the courage to take the first step.”