2025 Commencement Honorees
Keynote Speaker
Branigan Knowlton
Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State
Branigan Knowlton has built a career on embracing the unfamiliar. As a U.S. Foreign Service Officer, he has lived and worked around the world, navigating complex diplomatic challenges in Hong Kong, Mexico, Colombia, and Italy. His ability to adapt and grow in new environments has shaped his 12-year career with the U.S. Department of State, where he currently serves at the U.S. Embassy in Rome.
"I've actively sought opportunities that push me into the unfamiliar, even when it's challenging," says Branigan, a husband and father of four. "Early on, I realized I liked being uncomfortable because it’s in that space that I’ve truly grown—both professionally and personally."
Branigan’s path to diplomacy started at Salt Lake Community College, where he completed his general studies coursework before earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication from Utah State University and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Utah.
Before joining the State Department, Branigan lived in the Philippines working for a private company and spent two years in Australia serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those experiences of living abroad reinforced his passion for global engagement.
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
Alan E. and Jeanne Nowak Hall
Founders, The Alan and Jeanne Hall Foundation
Community. Education. Service. Family. Faith. These values have guided Alan and Jeanne Hall for many years. As dedicated supporters of Salt Lake Community College, they have championed many innovative training programs and scholarships, helping hundreds of SLCC students achieve their dreams. For the Halls, investing in education isn’t just philanthropy—it’s a meaningful way to empower individuals and strengthen communities.
Alan understands firsthand the transformative power of education. “College is where students dedicate themselves to learning the skills and knowledge they need to graduate with a degree,” he says. “Mastering the fundamentals during this unique time helps people become successful citizens and a benefit to their families.”
Jeanne also promotes education and community service through her role as president of the Alan and Jeanne Hall Foundation. She also served as a guidance counselor for the Ogden School District for many years and found great satisfaction in helping high school students find success. “It doesn't matter what field you're in; what matters is that you share your knowledge to lift and help others,” she says.
Distinguished Alumni
Dawn R. Ramsey
Mayor, City of South Jordan
Dawn Ramsey attended SLCC twice. The first time was when she was just out of high school, and the second time was after she raised six children. “I chose to take a break from my education that unexpectedly lasted 20 years,” she says. “I cannot imagine there ever was a nontraditional student as excited as I was to be back in school.”
As she began attending SLCC for a second time, Dawn recalls the dedication of an academic advisor who combed through her transcripts to create a learning roadmap for her. “His time and effort were an immense gift—it allowed me to re-engage with my education and determine a path forward.”
In 2017, just a few months after graduating from the College, Dawn was elected as South Jordan’s first-ever female mayor. “That SLCC degree instilled confidence in me that made me feel like I belonged on that ballot,” she says.
Daniel Barney Stirland, M.Ed
Principal, Kearns High School
Danny Stirland has been a part of the Kearns High School community for 25 years, his role spanning from student to principal. “I’m just lucky and blessed to be here; there’s something special about being where you grew up,” he says. After high school, Daniel attended SLCC to fulfill his general education requirements.
While at the College, Daniel cherished the small class sizes and teacher attention. “The small, intimate nature of the community college really worked for me,” says Daniel. “Instructors had their views but also taught from a balanced approach, pulling in different perspectives. I appreciated this; it helped inform me as I started making my own decisions in life.”
After his time at SLCC, Daniel attended the University of Utah, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Health and a teaching degree. He later returned to the University to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
Legislative Champion
Michael K. McKell
Utah State Senator, District 25
In 2013, Senator Mike McKell began his service in the Utah Legislature. Since taking office, he has been a dedicated champion for Salt Lake Community College and for all of Utah’s higher education institutions. He regularly makes time to meet with College representatives to understand SLCC’s priorities and perspectives on critical issues.
Senator McKell is also an ardent supporter of incarcerated students and works to provide them with every opportunity to receive postsecondary education that will allow them to successfully transition into society upon their release. He recently attended the graduation ceremony for students in SLCC’s highly successful Prison Education Program, and his efforts have resulted in meaningful assistance and support to those pursuing their education through this initiative.
In 2024, Senator McKell was elected by his colleagues as a member of the Senate Leadership Team, serving as the Majority Assistant Whip. He also serves on the Senate Education Committee, which is tasked with setting policy for public education institutions.
Teaching Excellence Award
N. Carolina Bloem, PhD
Associate Professor, Spanish
Director, Center for Latin American Studies
Creating a positive learning environment where students can develop knowledge and thrive is the guiding principle of Salt Lake Community College associate professor Dr. Carolina Bloem. “My goal is to provide students with the necessary tools to succeed in the classroom,” she says. “That path may look different for each student, but together we will get there.”
Carolina, who describes her teaching style as student-centric, encourages her students to connect the material in her classes with what they are learning in their other courses. She believes this interdisciplinary approach deepens understanding and fosters both creative and critical thinking. “My role in the classroom is to be a leader,” she says. “I am guiding my students toward a shared outcome of gaining knowledge, and together, we can reach that goal.”
Carolina is grateful that her journey led her to SLCC. “I am incredibly lucky and honored to work here. Our students are at the heart of everything we do, and I take my role in helping them build their dreams very seriously.”
Kristen Hall
Associate Professor, Dental Hygiene
In 2012, Kristen Hall was a busy mom trying to balance her career as a dental hygienist with her family life when she met Renee Mendenhall, associate professor and program coordinator of Dental Hygiene at Salt Lake Community College. Their sons played on the same soccer team, and their shared profession sparked a conversation in which Renee asked Kristen if she would consider teaching at the College.
“I initially declined,” Kristen says. “While I liked being a hygienist, I didn’t care for my experience in hygiene school.” Eventually, Renee convinced Kristen to join the faculty at SLCC, and she became a full-time instructor in 2019.
Kristen strives to ensure her students feel supported. “I sometimes felt like just a number to my professors, so I make sure to meet with my students several times each semester to learn what’s going on in their lives and how I can help,” she says. “I’m honored to help my students reach their full potential and see their profession not just as ‘mouth janitors’ but as a way to help people live their best lives.”
Emmanuel Santa-Martinez, PhD
Assistant Professor, Biology
Students in Dr. Emmanuel Santa-Martinez’s classes learn that bumblebees can carry pollen across three miles, expanding the gene pool for plants and promoting greater crop yields. Likewise, Emmanuel encourages his students to enhance their educations by venturing beyond the classroom for immersive field research. “I feel a deep responsibility to guide my students in developing essential skills, encourage critical thinking, expose them to extracurricular opportunities, and nurture their love for biology, all of which will help them thrive in their future careers,” he says.
Other examples of “cross-pollination” in Emmanuel’s work include internships and classroom innovations. He pioneered a program that connects students with local internships, and he developed the College’s first dual-language biology class. Here, Emmanuel presents course material in Spanish and leads discussions in both English and Spanish.
Emmanuel’s interest in biology began on a farm in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico. “I learned from my father the importance of understanding and taking care of plants and animals,” he says. This work inspired him to eventually pursue an undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of Puerto Rico and a PhD in Entomology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He began teaching at SLCC in 2019.
Distinguished Faculty Lecturer
Andrew Vogt, PhD
Associate Professor, Engineering
Dr. Andrew Vogt’s teaching philosophy is guided by two principles, curiosity and efficiency. “Curiosity leads us to study a topic and allows us to really understand the ins and outs of research, while efficiency is all about sustainability” he says.
Andrew’s work has always been grounded in the sensations of the body, and he teaches his students at Salt Lake Community College to learn by using multiple senses – for example, sight and hearing can provide radically different understandings of acceleration. His teaching also includes non-academic activities, like music and endurance exercise, to encourage a more comprehensive understanding of engineering concepts.
As SLCC’s Distinguished Faculty Lecturer, Andrew will use running as a lens to examine how curiosity drives exploration and how efficiency promotes sustainability of inquiry. His lecture will be delivered in April 2026.
Provost's Graduates of Excellence
Carlyn Barlow
School of Technical and Professional Specialties, Apprenticeship Electrical Independent Technology
My academic journey has been far from traditional, and I can confidently say that attending SLCC has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. This place not only became a safe place for me, but it also provided me with the tools to pursue higher education. My journey has not been easy, but I have learned that anything is possible with hard work and the right support. For the past four years, I have worked as a licensed electrical apprentice for the State of Utah, and I am proud to say that I am now a licensed journeyman electrician. The support I received here at SLCC made it all possible.
Lacy Lowry
Salt Lake Technical College, Diesel and Professional Truck Driving
I’ve always been drawn to the unconventional, and the strength to pursue my passion was only magnified after my father's passing. He once told me I could only fail if I gave in to defeat. His words have removed all fear of failure from my life. I quickly realized that traditional jobs weren't for me, so I started exploring various professions from a young age. This led me to research every commercial driving school in Utah, and I concluded that my best option was to attend SLCC. It was the only institution that offered a level of instruction that could help me excel in my field. I finally have a chance to get a job on my own terms.
Natalie Cabrera Mansilla
School of Humanities and Social Science, Psychology
My time at SLCC taught me the importance of perseverance and dreaming big. Soon after my first semester, I started getting involved at the College, which led me to create a community that helped me discover new interests. I was also accepted into the Honors Program, which improved my college experience. It gave me valuable tools to grow as a student and as a person. I completed my first research project and got the chance to present it at the Western Regional Honors Conference in Long Beach, Calif. While at SLCC, I developed critical thinking skills and gained the confidence to write an essay, which became my first published work.
Cassidie Archuleta
School of Health Sciences, Radiologic Technology
Reflecting on my time at SLCC, I realize how miraculous it is that despite challenges, I’ve continuously achieved a high level of performance. My daughter has participated in a clinical trial requiring us to travel across the country for her treatment. While managing her medical needs and school, I also advocated for Galactosemia and other rare diseases. In my technical writing class, I wrote a letter to my representatives about important legislation that was under consideration. With support from the SLCC community and advocates nationwide, I’m proud to say the legislation passed in 2022. This success isn’t mine alone; SLCC has impacted my life, and I will always be proud to be an SLCC Bruin.
Emma Barucija
School of Arts, Communication and Media, Architectural Technology
A significant part of my academic success at SLCC stems from the mentorship and support of the faculty in the Visual Art and Design department. Through their thoughtful critiques, engaging discussions, and unwavering belief in my potential, everyday these mentors have pushed me to think beyond conventional design and challenge myself. Beyond academics, service has been central to my college experience. My role with the Engaged Learning Office allowed me to mentor others who directly impact our community. The combination of rigorous coursework, hands-on experience, mentorship, and leadership roles has shaped me to think critically, design with purpose, and contribute meaningfully to everything I do.
Tawananyasha Dzenga
Gail Miller Business School, Business
My experience at SLCC has been shaped by triumphs and challenges, helping me learn about myself and the world. I am an international student from Zimbabwe, and I am pursuing a double major in Computer Science and Business. I am also a proud honors student. I had the chance to represent SLCC at the Western Regional Honors Conference, where I presented one of my research projects. I have also led two service-learning trips and currently serve on the Utah Global Diplomacy Youth Advisory. SLCC’s mission of supporting students and the community inspires me to give back to higher education, especially by focusing on student success. I appreciate the opportunities I’ve received during my time here and look forward to continuing to build on this foundation.
Marilyn Howard
General Studies
My time at SLCC started nearly two decades after graduating from high school. The journey has not been easy, as I have faced multiple challenges that have felt overwhelming—from illnesses in the family to the passing of my brother to brain cancer. One of the things that kept me going was remembering my brother’s advice to be my own person and have my own success. SLCC has been an institution of learning and a place of safety, growth, and opportunity. It’s where I found self-confidence, lasting friendships, mentors, and academic success. SLCC has become a second home.
Tran Huynh
School of Science, Mathematics and Engineering, Biology
I chose to enroll at SLCC because it was a great starting point for my education. Returning to school was tough after a long break, but I started by taking two classes each semester to help ensure my success. I made the President’s List, received scholarships, and took part in alternative breaks. I feel proud now that I am nearing the end of my journey at SLCC. My experience here has been more than just earning a degree; it has been a significant accomplishment for me and my family. SLCC helped me build a strong foundation and opened many doors for my future.