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Fall 2023 Graduates: Igniting Passions, Lighting Futures

As Aims students graduate, they have reached an incredible milestone. Below are a few graduate stories reflecting on what they love about Aims and what they will accomplish next.

A grid with photos of graduates

The theme for the December 2023 Commencement is “Igniting Passions, Lighting Futures.” Aims students have fervently followed their dreams and laid the foundations for their tomorrow. Celebrate these awesome learners and other amazing Aims graduates at the ceremony on December 8 at 3 p.m.

A round of applause for the triumphant class of 2023!

What I love is the mood, the interactions, and the availability of the instructors to show you whatever you need to know. I'm going to the University of Northern Colorado and will have a bachelor's in Psychology.

Ayi D’Almeida
Graduate, Liberal Arts: Psychology
Ayi D’Almeida

Amazing, blessed, happy, overall joy. At my previous college, I felt like a dollar sign and more like a student at Aims. I had the support of the school and scholarships. I am going to apply to be a victim's advocate to be there for victims as much as I can.

Jazlene Gussman
Graduate, Criminal Justice
Jazlene Gussman

All of the staff is amazing and they all want to help and see the students succeed! This is why I have enjoyed my time at Aims and why I never wanted to leave. I plan to finish out my bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University or University of Wyoming.

Cassie Harmon
Graduate, Agriculture Business, Agriculture Education, Animal Science
Cassie Harmon

I loved the flexibility from the instructors. With having two young children at home, it was nice that I could take my classes online. I've made lifelong friends that I never thought I would stumble upon had I not taken classes at Aims. I'm a lead teacher in the four to five-year-old classroom at Blooming Littles in Milliken.

Becca Harris
Graduate, Early Childhood Education
Rebecca Harris

Aims is a great fit for me because I needed flexibility and freedom in my school schedule. I am a full-time personal banker and growing in my career while in school is something I value. I will be attending CSU in Fort Collins to study Communications with a minor in Business Administration.

Julianna Munoz
Graduate, Business Communications
Julianna Munoz

Every advisor, instructor, and anyone else I spoke with taught me to use my resources and ask questions without fear. I began to use these resources to push myself beyond what I ever even imagined I could do! I intend to complete my transition with the Aims2UNC program. I will pursue a bachelor's and likely a master's in Economics. Once I graduate, I plan to invest in others in the same way that I have been invested in by teaching as an instructor in a community college.

Ariana Powell
Graduate, Liberal Arts: Economics
Ariana Powell

I am so grateful for the Aims community; there are so many resources available to support student success. I am fortunate to have crossed paths with a few professors who have been very influential in my academic career. I will head to UNC and look forward to diving deeper into Sociology.

Christina Renteria-Salazar
Graduate, Liberal Arts: Sociology
Christina Reteria-Salazar

Aims has a flexible range of classes that fit my busy schedule to fit my education into my life. Aims has so many resources to offer students that it almost feels impossible not to succeed. The Finish What You Started Program provided me with the tools to jump back into school and finish my degree. I look forward to furthering my education at UNC and working toward my career goals.

Cullen Stevens
Graduate, Business

My professional growth is just because of Aims. I've met all those people that have put me in the position that I'm in. I was offered a job to be the assistant director at a new Little Bloomers infant-toddler learning center in Johnstown.

Kaci Trett
Graduate, Early Childhood Education
Kaci Trett

I first walked through Aims Community College’s doors when my dad attended. When I was deciding my plan for higher education, it was the easiest decision I could make because I already knew Aims had a great Communication Media Department. I will transfer to Colorado State University, where I will be majoring in Journalism and Media Communication and minoring in Film Studies.

MacKenzie Umberger
Graduate, Communication Media
MacKenzie Umberger

I feel like because there is such a welcoming environment here at Aims it allowed me to really explore different degree options here and with the help of
my academic advisors as well as the professors in my classes. I will go to CSU in the spring and major in Chemical Engineering and hopefully find a teacher assistant position or research opportunity on the campus.

Benjamin Williams
Graduate, Liberal Arts
Benjamin Williams