The Little Things: What 15 Community College Graduations Taught Me

A little encouragement before the grads walk can go a long way.

Two weeks ago, I had the privilege of participating in my 15th community college graduation ceremony. If you’ve never worked in higher education, it’s hard to capture just how amazing these events are to experience. Having spent time at three different institutions, I’ve seen various ways schools send off their graduates.

While the speeches and diplomas are great, it’s often the small, intentional traditions that leave the biggest impact. Here are three of the best "little things" I've witnessed that make graduation truly meaningful.

1. The Faculty Gauntlet (Northeastern Junior College)

My favorite post-ceremony tradition happened during my time at Northeastern Junior College. After the stage party exited, all the faculty and staff—fully decked out in their caps and gowns—lined up to form a gauntlet down the center aisle.

As the graduates walked out, they passed through a wall of applause from the very instructors who helped them get there. It provided a perfect, high-energy moment for students to high-five, hug, and say a quick "thank you" to the specific people who changed their lives.

2. Breaking Bread Together (McCook Community College)

Before the pomp and circumstance begins, there is usually a lot of waiting around. At McCook Community College, they turned that waiting time into a community celebration.

Faculty, staff, students, administration, and board members all gathered in a shared staging area in the auxiliary gym. Everyone mingled over juice, coffee, muffins, and donuts. More than just a breakfast, this informal gathering provided precious, uninterrupted time to visit with colleagues and connect with graduates one last time before they stepped out into the world.

3. Beat the Heat (Central Arizona College)

Sometimes, a meaningful change is purely about student comfort. This year at Central Arizona College, we moved the student staging area from outside the student services building into the student union.

The walking distance to the ceremony remained exactly the same, but for a 10:30 a.m. outdoor start in Arizona (with a 10 minute late start due to traffic issues), it improved the experience. Instead of baking in the desert sun for 45 minutes, students got to sit, take pictures, and enjoy refreshments in a comfortable, air-conditioned space. It was a minor logistical tweak, but it shifted the mood, creating a relaxed, joyful atmosphere where students and faculty could actually connect before the big moment.

Over to You: Graduation is a milestone, but the traditions surrounding it define the experience. I’d love to hear from fellow educators and alumni: What are the small things your institution does to make graduation feel like a meaningful celebration?