SFCC celebrates 40th anniversary commencement

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SFCC’s 40th Anniversary Commencement

At the 40th anniversary commencement in May, alumna Amy Loyd, Ed.L.D., who is the Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the U.S. Department of Education, delivered a keynote address that resonated deeply with the 445 SFCC graduates, who collectively received 560 awards. The Class of 2024 joined the ranks of the previous 11,396 graduates who have earned more than 14,500 certificates and degrees over the past four decades.

Lloyd described her non-linear path that led to her position in Washington, D.C. She shared that like many SFCC students she faced housing instability and juggled multiple jobs. She lived for almost a year in a cabin with no running water or electricity, sometimes crashed with friends, and later moved into a garage.

To finally get an apartment, she did the “Santa Fe hustle” working as a barista, catering server, cashier, wrangler on a ranch, and as a river guide on the Rio Grande. She said she realized that this “hustle” is how many SFCC students survive. But she always held the hope of pursuing higher education. “I found what I needed at SFCC,” she said. Her classes led her to better paying jobs in health care with stability, community, and growth that set her on a stable path moving forward. Her educational journey would eventually lead her to Harvard where she earned her doctorate.

“SFCC was my springboard to economic opportunity. While I no longer work in health care it allowed me to be nimble and allowed me to pivot to new pathways,” she emphasized. “SFCC helped me transition from a person who really didn’t know what’s next to having the confidence to navigate and build my own future.” She added, “SFCC helped me shift from hustling and working to barely get by to living a life of purpose and to work that aligned with my purpose and vision.”

Loyd added, “Your education is about taking your knowledge and transforming your life into power. The power to change your life. The power to uplift your family. And the power to give back to others and enrich your community.”

Loyd was met with resounding applause when she told the Class of 2024, “You are your ancestors wildest dreams.”

Read more about the commencement and Class of 2024