2025 Commencement Honorees
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Crystal Call Maggelet
CEO & Chair, FJ Management
CEO, Maverik
Crystal Maggelet has built her leadership on hard work, integrity, and a willingness to take on challenges. As CEO of FJ Management and Maverik, she has guided the organizations through growth and adversity, including a major restructuring effort at Flying J.
She believes leadership is grounded in honesty and accountability—values that build trust and resilience. Her commitment to education is reflected in her philanthropic efforts to expand access for students, particularly those facing financial barriers. “Our world would be a better place if more people had access to education,” she says.
Crystal’s message to graduates: stay open to opportunity, act with purpose, and learn from every experience. “And remember,” she adds, “There’s no downside to doing your best.”
Distinguished Alumni
Aaron Starks
AA, Political Science and Government, 2013
President & CEO, 47G
Aaron Starks credits his success to the people and opportunities that shaped his path. As a first-generation student, he found confidence and community at SLCC, where affordability and flexibility allowed him to succeed.
While at the college, he served as student body president and helped establish a scholarship for single parents. He later led the Utah Student Association, working with state and national leaders.
Now President and CEO of 47G, Aaron brings together industry, government, and community partners to advance innovation in aerospace, defense, and energy. His leadership has helped position Utah as a national leader in emerging aviation technologies.
Fernanda Böhme Birkeland
AAS, Fashion Design, 2004
Co-Founder, Böhme
Fernanda Böhme Birkeland’s journey is rooted in resilience, creativity, and determination. After immigrating from Brazil as a child, she helped support her family while developing a passion for fashion, teaching herself to sew and design.
She chose SLCC’s Fashion Institute for its affordability and hands-on learning, where she found mentorship and industry-connected faculty. In 2006, she co-founded Böhme with her sister, helping grow the company into a multi-state retail brand with a strong online presence.
Recognized as one of the top women-run businesses on the Inc. 500 list, Böhme reflects Fernanda’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her advice: embrace challenges and view failure as an opportunity to grow.
Teaching Excellence Awards
Aimee Worthen Birdsall
Department Coordinator, Associate Professor
School of Science, Mathematics and Engineering
Aimee Worthen Birdsall’s path to teaching began in structural engineering, where she discovered a passion for helping others learn. Today, she is committed to making engineering accessible to all students, especially those who may not initially see themselves in the field.
She creates inclusive, supportive classrooms where students build confidence alongside technical skills. Her approach adapts to students at every stage—from introducing foundational college skills to emphasizing collaboration and real-world application.
Beyond the classroom, Aimee expands access to engineering through K–12 outreach and innovative programs, including a general education robotics course that reaches students across multiple campuses and local high schools. She also supports current students through mentorship, research opportunities, and industry partnerships.
Erica Marie Grover
Lead Course Coordinator, Adjunct Instructor
Emergency Medical Technician Program
Erica Grover’s teaching centers on student success through active learning, adaptability, and support. She prioritizes creating an inclusive environment where students feel confident, engaged, and prepared for real-world challenges.
Recognizing that students face diverse barriers, Erica incorporates flexible, practical strategies that are readily accessible in the community. Her structured curriculum and feedback systems have contributed to strong outcomes, including consistent certification pass rates.
Beyond technical skills, Erica emphasizes empathy, reminding students of the humanity at the core of emergency medical care.
Stacey A. Romney
Associate Professor
Physical Therapist Assistant Program, School of Health Sciences
Stacey Romney’s teaching is grounded in the belief that students learn best when they feel supported, engaged, and connected to their future profession. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, she designs learning environments that emphasize real-world application.
Her courses integrate hands-on labs, practical exams, and clinical-style experiences to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors required in physical therapy. A key extension of her work is the program’s pro bono clinic, where students gain hands-on experience while providing care to community members.
Stacey’s background in diverse healthcare settings informs her focus on communication, ethics, and cultural competence. She fosters a classroom environment built on trust, compassion, and equity.
Distinguished Faculty Lecturer
Ann B. Fillmore
Professor, English, Linguistics, and Writing Studies
Beyond Spanglish: Spanish and Bilingualism in the American West
What does it mean to speak Spanish in the United States? This question shapes Ann Fillmore’s research and her 2027 lecture.
Drawing on linguistic research and the experiences of SLCC’s diverse student body, Ann’s lecture will explore the history and evolution of Spanish in the American West. She will examine bilingual identity, language attitudes, and policy, while challenging misconceptions about “Spanglish.”
Ann will also highlight how Spanish in the U.S. reflects linguistic creativity and cultural exchange, offering a deeper understanding of bilingualism as both a social and academic strength.
Legislative Champion
Candice Pierucci
Utah House of Representatives, District 49
Since her election in 2018, Representative Candice Pierucci has been a strong advocate for education and a dedicated champion for Salt Lake Community College. The youngest woman ever elected to the Utah Legislature, she has focused on expanding opportunity and strengthening student pathways statewide.
She currently serves as Majority Whip and chairs the House Education Committee, in addition to roles on key appropriations and government committees. Representative Pierucci has built a strong connection with SLCC, regularly engaging with campus leaders and students and supporting funding efforts, including the Herriman Campus.
Representative Pierucci’s honors include the 20 Under 40 Award from the Council of State Governments, Americans for Prosperity Legislator of the Year, and the Utah National Guard’s Minuteman Award. She holds degrees from Utah Valley University and the University of Utah and teaches as an adjunct professor.
Provost's Graduates of Excellence
Carolina Lozano-Ashton
School of Arts, Communication and Media
This is my second time attending SLCC. I previously graduated with my associate’s degree while still in high school. My path has not been linear, but each step has been intentional, guided by resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for education. My academic journey began in a small town in my native Colombia, and then I moved to the United States to continue my studies. At SLCC, I’ve had the opportunity to become a student leader and mentor, and after graduating I plan to attend the University of Utah to study Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics, focusing on researching wearable robotics and prosthetic apparel.
Wendy Memmott
Gail Miller Business School
In high school, I always dreamed of becoming a paralegal, but life took me in a different direction. After getting married, I focused on raising my family and building a career with a job that, while stable, never fulfilled my passion. Now, more than 30 years later, I find myself at SLCC pursuing that very dream in paralegal studies, filled with the same passion as before. As my time at SLCC comes to an end, I cannot help but reflect on my journey here. While part of me wishes I had attended the college sooner, I am grateful that I did because going back to school has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. The biggest lesson I’ve learned through my academic experience is that a person is never too old to set a new goal or chase a dream.
Jasmine Smith
General Studies
My experience at SLCC has been life changing. This institution has allowed me to prove to myself, semester after semester, that I am capable, intelligent, and not defined by my past. In high school, I struggled academically due to challenges with self-image, depression, and anxiety. Thanks to SLCC, I’ve gained confidence in myself and earned several honors, including three President’s List awards. I am truly grateful for my professors’ compassion, love of teaching, and belief in their students. I also want to express my gratitude to my grandpa, with whom I have grown closer since starting my academic journey at SLCC. I plan to continue my education at SLCC, and I hope to be accepted into nursing school.
Angela Mencl
School of Health Sciences
My life has two main parts: before September 2018 and after. Before that, I focused on supporting my family, helping my late husband in dental school, and raising our children. In September 2018, I lost both my sister and husband just one day apart, making me the sole parent of four children under the age of seven. I had to adjust to this new reality and provide stability for them while grieving. These experiences taught me that I don’t just have to be here; I get to be here. I approach my education and clinical work with gratitude and professionalism. I also volunteer at a grief support center for families. I could not have reached this point in my education without the support of my children and family and the faculty at SLCC.
Mariah Espinal
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
My higher education journey began with a deep sense of ambition, but it was soon interrupted by a chronic illness. This illness took control of my life, leading to instability, hospitalizations, and a gradual erosion of the dreams I once believed were attainable. For years, I carried guilt and shame from my academic failures that were due to this illness. However, with a friend’s encouragement, I decided to return to college. SLCC welcomed me with compassion, challenged me with rigorous academics, and equipped me with the tools I needed to succeed. In spring 2025, I participated in SLCC’s first-ever trip to the United Nations, an opportunity that profoundly shaped my academic direction. I now carry with me a commitment to excellence, service, and dignity that will guide every step of my future. SLCC has given me more than just a second chance; it has taught me to believe in my future again.
Carlos Salinas
School of Science, Mathematics and Engineering
In high school, I never thought about going to college because I believed I wasn’t as smart as my peers. My enrollment at SLCC happened by chance – I was allowed to skip class if I attended an SLCC presentation. I went to the presentation, but for most of it, I wasn’t paying attention because I was dismissing the programs and opportunities, thinking I wasn’t good enough to take part. That all changed when they started talking about incentives, and suddenly, I became interested. My time at SLCC has helped change my mindset, and I’ve become the person I always admired. SLCC led me to discover a passion for electrical engineering, even though I thought I was bad at math. I have proven myself wrong time and again. As my journey at SLCC ends, I am thankful for how much I’ve personally grown. To my high school self, who felt unsure about college, I am doing this for you.
Jacee Page
School of Technical and Professional Specialties
My journey at SLCC has been shaped not only by my academic experiences but by my courage, creativity, and personal growth. I often found myself as one of the few, if not the only, women in my program, which led to feelings of anxiety and a sense of not belonging. Despite my fears, I was able to build a supportive community with my professors and peers, who strengthened my confidence and enriched my experience at SLCC both inside and outside the classroom. Balancing school, work, family responsibilities, and grief taught me that excellence is not achieved alone; it is supported by a strong community. After graduating from SLCC, I plan to continue my education at Weber State University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in Product Design Development. My ultimate goal is to engage in work that challenges me intellectually, fulfills me creatively, and makes a meaningful impact on my community.
Marylyn Diaz
Salt Lake Technical College
My life has been full of many ups and downs. In 2025, I made the decision to attend SLCC, and shortly after, I lost my father to cancer, a loss that has been incredibly difficult to overcome. Despite my grief, I kept working toward my educational goals, as my father was a huge supporter of my return to school. I am grateful to my peers and professors who supported me throughout this process. They helped with everything from making funeral arrangements to ensuring I didn’t fall behind in my studies. Without their assistance, I wouldn’t have been able to maintain my 4.0 GPA. Looking back on my SLCC experience, I feel immense gratitude for a college community that was willing to help me in every possible way. I will always remember the kindness that was shown to me during this challenging time.