Everett Community College graduates participate in the 2025 commencement ceremony on June 8.
Everett Community College celebrated the achievements of the class of 2025 during the annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 8, at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.
About 2,000 students graduated from Everett Community College with a degree or certificate in 2024-25, including EvCC’s first-ever bachelor’s degree students. Approximately 500 graduates participated in commencement.
EvCC’s 2025 Commencement speaker Samuel Mutelesi Kabeya plans to become a civil engineer and build sustainable infrastructure in his native Democratic Republic of Congo.
The graduate speaker was Samuel Mutelesi Kabeya, who graduated with an Associate in Science Transfer Degree with an emphasis on Civil/Mechanical Engineering. He grew up in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and was inspired by the show “MacGyver,” which sparked his fascination with science and problem-solving. Witnessing the severe infrastructure challenges in his home country solidified his choice to pursue engineering. As a civil engineer, he hoped to help build sustainable infrastructure to support the growth and well-being of communities in the DRC and beyond.
While at EvCC, Kabeya was involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Black Student Union, and volunteered at the Students of Color Career Conference. He was an Everett Community College Foundation Scholarship recipient and graduated with High Distinction. After graduation, he planned to pursue Optional Practical Training to gain hands-on professional experience in the engineering or housing development field before transferring to a four-year university to complete a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.
A graduate embraces a loved one following EvCC’s commencement ceremony on June 8.
Everett Community College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumnus and Outstanding Graduates
As part of the annual celebrations during commencement week, EvCC recognized outstanding graduates and a distinguished alumnus at a June 6 reception.
EvCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award honors alumni who demonstrated leadership in their chosen professions and distinguished themselves through service to their communities. The award is the highest honor given to EvCC and Everett Junior College alumni.
Mike Calvert, Assistant Chief of Operations for the Everett Fire Department, was the 2025 Distinguished Alumnus. A lifelong Everett resident and graduate of Cascade High School, Calvert earned his associate degree in fire science from EvCC before completing a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology at the University of Washington. After 13 years in biotech, he made a bold career change in 2001 by joining the Everett Fire Department, where he became known for his steady leadership, problem-solving mindset and dedication to public safety. He completed the prestigious Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in 2019, producing research on earthquake-related water supply risks that helped improve community resilience. His career and volunteer service, including roles with the Snohomish County Red Cross and Everett Fire Fighters Association, reflected his deep commitment to serving others. Calvert credited EvCC with helping him find his path and build a strong foundation for success.
Faculty members in each of the college’s instructional divisions nominated and selected the outstanding graduates, who were recognized with a medallion and a certificate of award.
The 2025 Outstanding Graduates were:
Professional and Technical Education and Applied Sciences:
- Brianna Badger
- Aldo Cisneros
- Ika Iwatate
- Brayan Feliciano Marcucci
- Jamie Glennan
- Timothy Grohusky
- Teaho Noh
- Phillip Patzer
- Jolene Rose
- Taliyah Tyra Goo
- Patricia Werth
Transfer Education:
- Diana Berry-Escobar
- Amanda Ellis
- Moss Martin
- Parrish
- Sushila Paudel
- Cassie Perman-Marshall
- Reynolds
- Danielle Scoville
- Margaret Taton
- Ruby Wacker
Transitional Studies:
- Rebekah Fleshman
June 11, 2025
Everett Schools