Rachel Blevins
Samantha Donofrio
George Nolan
Rachel Romero
Melissa Scriver
Melissa Siaotong
Breanna Williams
Check out our photo slideshows now available highlighting Rio Salado College’s 2025 commencement ceremony.
This year’s ceremony was held on May 8, 2025, at the Arizona Financial Theatre in downtown Phoenix.
A total of 4,120 degrees, certificates and recognitions of academic achievement were awarded this academic year. That includes:
- 3,342 certificates of completion
- 615 associate degrees (408 earned by dual enrollment students)
- 5 bachelor’s degree recipients in elementary and special education (Rio began offering two bachelor’s degree programs in 2023)*
Meet Some of the Class of 2025
Rachel Blevins
“The past four years have been intense and challenging, and there were moments I doubted I would finish— but I did! I am proud to say I have earned an associate degree in applied science, two certificates in addictions and substance use disorders, with the highest distinction.”
Samantha Donofrio
“I am proud of the degree I have earned from Rio. Teaching special education full-time while completing the program has made me a better, stronger and more intuitive educator. I’d recommend Rio Salado to everyone because higher education is the most powerful tool you can give yourself.”
George Nolan
“Rio believes in people. When I started, I was still struggling with addiction and trying to find a way out of the life I had been stuck in. Rio’s Incarcerated Re-entry program gave me hope and purpose at a time when I needed both. They saw potential in me even when I didn’t see it in myself.”
Rachel Romero
“I started this journey for my daughter and I am continuing on this journey for myself. Thanks to Rio Salado, I have been able to reach unimaginable new heights. Rio helped me to unlock my true potential and become the person that I always wanted to be.”
Melissa Scriver
“Despite facing grief, addiction, and abuse, I refused to let my past define my future. I fought to rebuild my life, not only for myself but also to show my children that resilience and determination can lead to success. Looking ahead, the sky is the limit.”
Melissa Siaotong
“Graduating from Rio Salado College holds great significance for me. It represents not only the culmination of my hard work and dedication, but also the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I am also proud to demonstrate to my family that it’s never too late to pursue a degree.”
Breanna Williams
“I chose Rio for dual enrollment so I could earn college credits while I was in high school and graduate with an associate degree early. I feel like attaining my degree at Rio Salado is the biggest accomplishment I could ever have and an early sign of future success.”
*Data to be confirmed after June 30.