Durango's Fort Lewis College Graduates Celebrate Resilience at Spring Commencement

At the 2024 Spring Commencement Ceremony of Fort Lewis College (FLC) in Durango, the resilience of graduates during the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted. Ellen Paul, the Faculty Senate President, spoke to about 370 graduates about their perseverance through challenges such as lockdowns and online learning transitions. She praised their growth and urged them to use their education to promote dialogue and unity.

The ceremony took place at Ray Dennison Field and was attended by numerous family members and friends. It was a notable event for FLC President Tom Stritikus, marking his final commencement before his departure to Occidental College in Los Angeles. Stritikus expressed his pride in the graduates and highlighted the college’s role in equipping them to positively impact society and their communities.

Taralyn Sloan, the student body vice president for the 2023-24 academic year, reflected on her class's journey during her speech. Graduating with multiple degrees, Sloan emphasized their preparedness to tackle future challenges and opportunities. She reminded her peers that their educational journey was just beginning and that they were poised to make a significant impact on the world.

Keynote speaker Kali Fajardo-Anstine, a professor at Texas State University and an author, shared her experiences with generational trauma and depression. She discussed how she overcame self-doubt in her academic abilities, leading to a successful writing career. Fajardo-Anstine highlighted the lasting value of education and encouraged the graduates to persist through upcoming challenges.

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