Guam Community College celebrated 324 graduates Friday during its Spring 2026 commencement ceremony at the Calvo Field House, marking a milestone for students who balanced academics with work, family and personal responsibilities.
The ceremony recognized 23 High School Equivalency graduates, 47 Adult High School completers, 68 apprenticeship graduates, 152 Associate of Science graduates, 26 Associate of Arts graduates and eight certificate recipients. In total, the college conferred 383 degrees, certificates and diplomas.
Interim President Virginia C. Tudela encouraged graduates to meet Guam’s growing workforce demands as the island faces economic and infrastructure challenges.
“You graduate at a time of both challenge and opportunity,” Tudela told graduates. “New opportunities are emerging through regional partnerships, infrastructure development, and the growing need for skilled professionals across every sector.”
A major highlight of the ceremony was the graduation of GCC’s inaugural Associate Degree in Nursing–Registered Nurse cohort, with 20 students earning degrees.
Graduate Adrienne Tudela said completing the ADN-RN program marked a significant personal and professional achievement after 17 years working at Guam Memorial Hospital and serving in the military.
“I am proof that a person can do anything they put their heart and mind to,” she said.
Adrienne Tudela said she plans to use her clinical and leadership experience to improve patient care at GMH, mentor aspiring nurses and strengthen Guam’s healthcare workforce.
The ceremony also celebrated Liberty Joy Padrones, who became the first person in her family to graduate college after earning her Early Childhood Education certificate. Padrones said she plans to continue pursuing an associate degree this fall.
“Becoming the first in my family to graduate college was a way to pave a new path,” Padrones said. “I wanted to show my children that while the road is often difficult, their goals are never out of reach.”