Chandler-Gilbert Community College honored the class of 2025 during two Commencement ceremonies on May 9, 2025. With a record-high attendance, more than 400 graduates were celebrated at Commencement, which was held in the Coyote Gym on CGCC’s Pecos campus.
CGCC’s class of 2025 consisted of more than 800 graduates. The diverse class included graduates ranging from 17 to 70 years old.
Three members of the class of 2025 were selected to address their peers as student speakers: Karson Mock presented to the morning session, and Kaitlin Greathouse and Nicole Caldwell were featured in the afternoon ceremony.
Karson Mock
Karson graduated from CGCC with an Associates in Arts in philosophy. He plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue graduate studies with the goal of teaching and writing. During his time at CGCC, he served as president of the Literature Club, was awarded the Gilman Scholarship and studied abroad in France. Karson is a dedicated writer and thinker, with a deep interest in cultures, languages and the human experience.
“I used to see graduation as a finish line,” said Mock. “A moment where, after many years of effort, you eventually break through that ribbon, take your medal and move on, that’s the end of it. However, standing here today, I realize it’s something else entirely. Graduation isn’t a finish line at all; it’s a door. With each new graduation, from diploma to degree, from certificate to license, learning and opportunity never stop. We’re not done just because we walk across some stage. As we step through this door, we’re not met with certainty, but with possibility.”
Kaitlin Greathouse
Kaitlin Greathouse is a proud first-generation college graduate, earning their Associate in Arts in criminal justice. They plan to continue their education at Arizona State University to complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology. During their time at CGCC, Kaitlin interned with the Gilbert Police Department as a victim advocate intern. Kaitlin is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, recognizing their academic excellence and leadership within the campus community.
“Today is not just about celebrating an achievement; it’s about recognizing the effort, determination and growth that got us here,” said Greathouse. “Yes, we’ve faced challenges, doubts and setbacks, but we’ve also learned, adapted and pushed ourselves beyond what we thought was possible. Graduates, as you look ahead, remember: You’re not just the person who made it through college; you are the person who showed up when it was hard. You are the person who kept going even when things felt impossible, and you are the person who now has the power to make a real difference.”
Nicole Caldwell
Nicole Caldwell is a funeral celebrant, grief coach and trailblazer in CGCC’s Mortuary Science program. She made history as the first CGCC student to win first place in a prestigious scholarship competition and has earned the most scholarship awards in program history. A proud member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Phi Sigma, Nicole pursued mortuary science as her second career and third academic degree all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA and balancing motherhood, school, work and volunteering to support grieving families. Her mission is to normalize conversations about grief and loss and to create a funeral home rooted in compassion and sustainability.
“As we leave here today, remember this: Life will continue to throw challenges our way,” said Caldwell. “However, we are not defined by what happens to us. We are strengthened by our perseverance. You hold the pen to your own story. You get to decide how the next chapter is written. After everything you’ve already overcome, I have no doubt that you will write a story that is powerful, inspiring and uniquely yours.”
As the graduates of 2025 head off to the next stage in their lives, their futures are bright. CGCC is proud to have been part of their journeys by providing the education and training that will help propel them as they continue their education or begin their careers.