607 Students Walk and 1,100+ Graduate in Iowa Central's Largest Commencement Ceremony

Public Information Office
5/12/2025

Iowa Central Community College proudly celebrated its 58th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 9, 2025, honoring a record 607 graduating students, the largest group in the college’s history to walk the commencement stage. A total of 1,171 students declared to graduate and another 102 HSED (High School Equivalency Diploma) students earned their diplomas. 

Graduates represented 20 countries, 32 states, and 76 Iowa counties. Among them were 14 veterans and active-duty military members, 177 first-generation college students, and graduates ranging in age from 17 to 55 years old, highlighting the breadth and resilience of the Iowa Central community.

Held in two ceremonies at Hodges Fieldhouse on the Fort Dodge campus, graduates, family, faculty, staff, and friends gathered to celebrate the achievements of students earning High School Equivalency Diplomas (HSED), Certificates, Diplomas, and associate degrees across multiple programs.

This year’s commencement speaker, Kevin Twait, longtime Triton football coach and athletic director, inspired attendees with his signature wisdom and wit. Twait, known for decades of leadership both on and off the field, encouraged graduates to embrace life with tenacity and purpose. Holding up a football, he reflected on a lesson from his days as an athlete, reminding the Class of 2025 and guests to "squeeze the things that matter most" — family, friends, and faith — to hold on to what’s most important in life. He concluded with a simple but powerful challenge: "Don’t fumble."

Student speakers Patricia Westall, Student Senate President, and Shelvee Keller, All-Iowa and All-USA Academic Team nominee, reflected on their personal journeys and the perseverance of the Class of 2025. Westall fondly shared the impact that the simple, quiet, often overlooked moments can have on one’s growth and journey. Keller celebrated the challenges they’ve overcome to reach this milestone and the bright futures that lie ahead.

The college also honored two outstanding employees with the prestigious Golden Triton Award. This year’s recipients, chosen by student nomination, were Amber Elbert, Associate Instructor of Dental Hygiene, and Stephanie Sibenaller, Assistant Coach of the Dance Team, both recognized for their dedication and exceptional service to Iowa Central students.

Both ceremonies included musical performances from the Iowa Central Concert Band and Vocal Jazz Ensemble and concluded with a reception in the Triton Café for graduates and their guests.

In the days and celebrations leading up to Commencement, President Jesse Ulrich shared that this season is a favorite of his and mentioned that this is not because students are leaving, but quite the opposite, leaning into what the moments represent. “It is a celebration of all that is good about Iowa Central Community College and all that has been achieved this year,” he said.