Photo credit: Mitchel Moraski: keynote speaker Sara Byers; Governor Phil Scott; student speaker Thomas Huster; student speaker Samantha Greene; CCV President Joyce Judy and Scott Giles; CCV St. Albans graduate with her service dog
Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV) held its graduation ceremony today at Norwich University’s Shapiro Field House.
More than 500 students received associate degrees. Students representing all 14 Vermont counties graduated, and students hail from 11 states and 19 countries. The youngest graduate is 18 and the oldest is 64. Also among the graduates are 42 veteran and military-connected graduates. More than 60% of the Class of 2025 are the first in their family to earn a college degree.
The keynote address was delivered by Sara Byers, co-owner & president of Leonardo’s Pizza. Byers shared three guiding messages: live true to yourself, love fully, and dream beyond big. Drawing from personal stories of vulnerability, creativity, and unexpected achievements, she encouraged graduates to embrace authenticity and pursue even the most improbable dreams.
“Don’t discard any of your dreams as unrealistic...There is no doubt in my mind that each of you is designed for a greatness that even you can’t imagine. Harness all your impossible dreams. This is where your mark is made.”
Graduates Samantha Greene and Thomas Huster were the student speakers for the Class of 2025. Greene delivered a message centered on resilience and the courage to make hard choices, embracing life’s challenges as opportunities for growth. “We often overlook the fact that we get to choose our own hard,” she shared. “Whether it’s facing personal challenges head-on, changing a destructive habit, or stepping into the unknown despite fear, the hard choices are the ones that build strength and character.”
Huster spoke about starting college at an older age; his message highlighted the power of lifelong learning, resilience, and the value of diverse experiences—both in and out of the classroom.
“To anyone out there who thinks it’s ‘too late’—please hear this: it’s never too late to believe in yourself again,” Huster said, encouraging graduates to embrace growth at any stage of life.
Governor Scott also addressed the Class of 2025. He let graduates know that it’s ok if they don’t know what they’re doing next, saying “there are many days I’m still not sure what I’m going to do with the rest of my life.” But, despite the unknowns, no matter what they do to remember “the good you do is up to you...there’s no such thing as a small need, they’re all big, and we just need more people stepping up to take them on.”
Several individuals were recognized during the ceremony for both academic accomplishments and community service.
Scott Giles, president of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), was presented with the Community Service Award. Giles is a champion for education access and affordability for Vermont students and families and has supported the collaboration between VSAC and CCV, removing barriers to help Vermonters receive an education.
CCV-Rutland student Amelia-Hope Porpeglia and CCV-Winooski student Harriet Wiringiye received the Student Leadership Award. CCV-Upper Valley student Tamara Hernandez and CCV-Winooski student Jeetan Khadka were awarded the 2025 Alumni Scholarships.
Faculty members Sean Dobbin, Ananda Forest, and Eric Scott Frost received Teaching Excellence Awards.
CCV President Joyce Judy officiated the event. She praised graduates for their resolve to reach their goals despite any unexpected challenges they faced, ensuring them that they are an inspiration to many. Over 100 graduates earned a degree in liberal studies, and more than 80 earned a degree in early childhood education. Both business and behavioral science programs graduated more than 60 students. 42 completed their associate degree in health science. Many graduates will continue their education at a four-year institution.
CCV is Vermont’s second-largest college, serving more than 10,000 students each year. With 12 locations and extensive online learning options, our students don’t have to travel far from their communities to access our degree and certificate programs, workforce, secondary and continuing education opportunities, and academic and veterans support services.
6.8.2025. Community College of Vermont, Montpelier now.ccv.edu
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
