News
Luna recognizes class of 2020
By Dave Kavanaugh
Luna Community College
Luna Community College is proud to recognize its graduating class of 2020, which had to overcome unusual adversity to reach the finish line.
No physical graduation ceremony was held this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resultant measures that cancelled large public gatherings and introduced social distancing protocols across New Mexico and the nation. Luna’s commencement ceremony was originally scheduled for Saturday, May 9.
Thanks to a cohesive effort from students, faculty and staff, with the support of the LCC Board of Trustees, the college has maintained its operations since the campus joined others across the state in at least partial closures in March. All courses that were able to transition to online or distance education delivery did so, and other college services were also moved online. Luna devoted resources to beefing up its online tutoring, even embedding tutors in online classes to make them readily available to students.
The college has developed a three-phase plan for potential reopening of the campus and its satellites, a plan that will closely adhere to state government orders and guidelines. Luna officials said the goal is to protect and ensure the health and safety of all in the campus community while providing the same level of educational and career preparation opportunities for which it is known.
While the majority of Luna’s classes successfully transitioned online this past spring semester, others – including many in the Vocational Studies department and others requiring traditional hands-on classwork with face-to-face instruction – did not. The disruption caused by the global pandemic led to incomplete grades for students in those classes. The college hopes to work with all students affected to help them complete course (and program) requirements this summer if possible; thus, additional graduates may be recognized at a later date.
As of June 10, the following is the partial list of Luna Community College’s Class of 2020 graduates:
Sandra Garcia, Lalane Wiley, Jennifer LaFebre, Madison Keller, Samantha Padilla, Katrina Roybal, Cassidy Guana, Tyler Trujillo, Shyan Maddux, Abby Lujan, Rayven Gonzales, Sarah Sanchez, Kristen Rogers, Gabriela Pina, Lorencito Martinez, Ashley Lovato, Lucia Lopez, Rosendo Gonzales, Julie Gonzales, Trent O’Dewyer, Alec Vigil, Jerilynn Martinez, Taylor Sandoval, Delaine Trujillo, Mariah Duran, Pauline Medina, Kyrstian Rodriguez, Latricia Sanchez, Heather Santillanes, Allysa Salas, Cynthia Campos, Isaiah Sandoval, Charles Torrez, Stephanie Madrid, Roxanne Garcia, Mason Peek, Daniella Garcia. An additional graduate declined to have her name published.