Great Falls College recognized 262 graduates on Saturday during its commencement exercises at Montana ExpoPark’s Pacific Steel and Recycling Arena.
“It is an honor to celebrate the achievements of the 2025 graduating class of Great Falls College with you and your loved ones,” said Dr. Stephanie Erdmann, CEO and dean of Great Falls College. “Today marks your success in completing your studies. Students, you have completed your degree while managing various responsibilities. Your tenacity demonstrates determination to achieve your academic goals. I’m so proud of you all.”
Sixty students earned high honors with a GPA of 3.75 or higher and an additional 55 earned honors with GPAs from 3.5 to 3.75.
Many students received multiple degrees, so in total Great Falls College awarded 311 certificates and degrees. Eighteen dual enrolled high school students received their certificates and degrees a month before receiving their high school diplomas, with four receiving their two-year associate degrees.
Heather Hoyer, superintendent of Great Falls Public Schools and member of the Board of Regents for the Montana University System, was the featured speaker.
For her speech, she worked with student government to craft a letter to Mo, the college’s River Otter mascot, as a way of thanking faculty and staff for their roles helping the graduates earn their degrees.
“The tears between classes,” she read. “The moments when flat tires, broken-down cars or empty fridges felt like they could derail everything. You reminded us we were not alone. You showed us there was help—emergency funds, food support or someone to check in and say, ‘Hey, are you okay?’ That meant everything. It steadied and fortified us.”
Courtney Kolias, vice president of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and a graduate in Substance Abuse and Addictions Counseling, summed it up in her address to her fellow graduates.
“I never imagined I would be standing here today,” she said. “As a student with a history of justice involvement and who struggled with addiction, my first day of class felt impossible. Completing my first assignment, giving a presentation, earning an A, or speaking to you today – these were opportunities I could not fathom. But Great Falls College changed that. With its supportive faculty and tight-knit community, this place taught me to push past that fear and imagine the unimaginable. Now, I can see a future where I transfer to the University of Montana, earn a Social Work degree and become a licensed professional helping others face the unimaginable.”
Earlier in the day, 14 Native American students were presented their beaded eagle feather from a tribal elder in a ceremony honoring their educational achievements. The feathers symbolize respect, honor, courage and wisdom while also signifying an outstanding accomplishment.
“As we stand here today, in our caps and gowns, with hearts full of pride, let’s take a moment to honor the ones who carried us through this journey and stood by us through every challenge and moment of doubt,” Kolias said, as she urged the graduates to turn toward the bleachers and acknowledge their loved ones. “To our families, friends, and loved ones, your unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in us have been the foundation on which we have built our success.”
