Nearly 800 graduates earned degrees, certificates, and diplomas at Renton Technical College’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony.

With themes of resilience, accomplishment, and community, the ceremony honored the diverse class of graduates and their achievements.

“We are celebrating today during a time of great uncertainty—a time when the world feels heavy with division, injustice, and challenge,” said Jessica Norouzi, chair of the RTC Board of Trustees. “But in the face of that, you chose to show up. You chose to build something for yourself, your future, and your community. You chose learning. That is no small act. That is power. That is hope in motion.”

RTC President Dr. Yoshiko Harden urged graduates to lead with purpose and empathy.

“We need your thinking, leadership, passion, and compassion today more than ever.”

Student Speaker Saleea Cornelius shared life lessons and reflected on the power of education.

“I’ve seen how education—especially technical education—can transform lives,” she said. “Watching my own progress and that of my classmates has proven that success doesn’t come in a straight line. It takes resilience, faith, and constant movement forward.”

Keynote speaker Saul Flores used metaphors about the beautiful Pacific Northwest in his poetic remarks to inspire graduates.

“Be big in this world. Be big with your voice,” he said. “Be unmoved in your morality. Don’t let the rain, the gloom, pass through you.

Stand like Rainier.”

View the RTC Commencement Photo Gallery.

Graduates can order their individual photos through Grad Images.