Media Contact: Cherie Yurco;
CMYurco@DallasCollege.edu
For immediate release — April 24, 2024
(DALLAS) — Dallas College’s six in-person
2024 commencement ceremonies will take place Thursday, May 9, through Saturday, May 11, at the Curtis Culwell Center, 4999 Naaman Forest Blvd. in Garland.
The six graduating students chosen as speakers will share their experiences, challenges and triumphs. They will tell their fellow classmates about fortitude, passion and overcoming adversity.
This year’s speakers (profiled below) are:
- May 9, 6 p.m., Cameron Robinson
- May 10, 1 p.m., Carlos Cortez
- May 10, 6 p.m., Jon Strickley
- May 11, 9 a.m., Carmesia Washington
- May 11, 2 p.m., Nomvuyo Makhathini
- May 11, 7 p.m., Arianna Villarreal
Cameron Robinson
Associate of Science, Lancaster Early College Program
Cameron Robinson grew up without a father figure at home. His pastor, Apostle Edwin Favors, served as his dedicated mentor until he passed away just as Robinson was starting at Lancaster Early College High School. The loss of this role model was devastating. Robinson credits Dr. Joseph Seabrooks, Cedar Valley Campus president, for the mentorship program, as well as Professor Marcene Royster for supporting him and helping him stay on track and focused through his academic journey.
Community is important to Robinson, and he is an active participant in school and church activities, including marching band, honor society and serving as a student body parliamentarian and church youth leader.
Robinson’s ambition is to lead with purpose and be the best version of himself. He plans to transfer to Southern University after graduation to continue his education.
Carlos Cortez
Associate of Science
Carlos Cortez is a first-generation college student and the son of immigrants. He sees community college as the steppingstone to achieving his dreams and ambitions. He aspires to be the first in his family to obtain a doctorate in mechanical engineering.
Cortez is naturally drawn to leadership. He served as vice president of fellowship in Phi Theta Kappa and was recognized in the Texas Region Hall of Honor for Outstanding Officers. He is also active in the Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics National Honor Society and has presented at Texas Association of Chicanos in Higher Education (TACHE) and Texas TRIO regional conferences.
He plans to transfer to a four-year school after graduation to continue his educational journey.
Jon Strickley
Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Jon Strickley is a teacher’s assistant, husband and father. In 2018, he graduated high school as salutatorian of his class and immediately enrolled in Dallas College.
In 2020, he began working as a teacher’s assistant in physical education at Remynse Elementary in Arlington ISD. There, he has developed as an individual and honed the skills necessary to be an effective coach. Strickley also volunteers as a soccer coach for fifth and sixth graders. He has a heart for being a positive male role model for his students, and he sees this as his career purpose.
Strickley credits Dallas College for its accessibility and flexible schedules, which enabled him to pursue a four-year degree. He looks forward to a bright future and the start of a new journey as a full-time teacher and coach.
Carmesia Washington
Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education and Teaching
Carmesia Washington returned to school to pursue a career in education when her high school-aged daughter challenged her not to wait on pursuing her dreams. Washington has had a long and successful career in IT, but despite her success, she always longed to be in the classroom.
The Dallas College bachelor’s degree program enabled her to pursue her dreams while being a mother of two children and working full time. Despite these challenges, Washington has achieved notable milestones in academics, leadership and her personal life. She is a proud member of Mu Alpha Theta, the Mathematics National Honor Society, where she excels in mathematical studies and contributes to various community projects. Her membership in Education National Honor Society Kappa Delta Pi reflects her commitment to the field of education through scholarly achievements and service. Additionally, her involvement in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society has allowed her to engage in academic and leadership endeavors, contributing to both her personal and professional growth.
Outside of academics, Washington volunteers regularly with local community organizations, such as Faith Formula and The Bridge Homeless Shelter.
Nomvuyo Makhathini
Associate of Science
Nomvuyo Makhathini grew up in a single-parent household in Harrismith, South Africa. Her mother became a widow at a young age and had to take on the roles of both mother and father to ensure that Makhathini and her younger brother had a fulfilling childhood.
Makhathini credits Dallas College for the many opportunities for personal and professional growth that have contributed to her academic success. She considers herself fortunate for the opportunity to come to the U.S. and contribute to the community to create a safe environment that fosters learning and respect.
After graduation, she plans to attend a four-year university to pursue further studies in public health.
Arianna Villarreal
Associate of Science
Arianna Villarreal’s early years were marked by a nomadic lifestyle, spanning seven cities across five countries. While her family continued their journey, at age 15 Villarreal remained in the United States to attend high school and pursue the American dream.
Fueled by a passion for economics and law, Villarreal aspires to study at Georgetown University, where she aims to build a career in economics and foreign affairs. She has served in leadership positions in Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa, Texas Junior College Government Association and the Honors Student Organization. She also chairs the International Student Committee and contributes her insights on the political landscape as a research fellow at Ballotpedia. Villarreal’s voice is further amplified as a contributor to Latino Leaders magazine, where she shares perspectives on issues relevant to the Latino community.
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