Graduates-Honor-Their-Roots-at-Nuestras-Raices.php

Graduates Honor Their Roots at Nuestras Raíces

• Students
• 05/14/2026

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” – Paulo Coelho

Rock Valley College celebrated the achievements, heritage and resilience of its graduating students during this year’s Nuestras Raíces ceremony, an event recognizing Hispanic and Latino graduates as they prepare to cross the commencement stage. Family members, friends, faculty and staff filled the stands in the Physical Education Center on the college’s Main Campus on Wednesday, May 13 to honor the students’ academic accomplishments while celebrating the cultural identities and traditions that helped shape their journeys.

“Nuestras Raíces,” meaning “Our Roots,” serves as both a celebration and a reminder that students do not achieve success alone. Throughout the ceremony, graduates were recognized for carrying forward the strength, traditions and aspirations of their families and communities.

“We learn how to be successful from watching others,” said Dr. Howard Spearman, RVC President. “There are families who encourage children to go to college, but there are also children who encourage their families to go to college. Success is contagious.”

Student speaker Darlyn Diaz delivered remarks that reflected on the challenges, growth and determination shared by many first-generation and multicultural college students. Diaz encouraged fellow graduates to embrace their stories and continue creating opportunities for themselves and future generations.

Many of us are sitting here as first-generation students, and we know the hardships that we face. We are grateful for the ones who have guided us on this journey.

Darlyn Diaz, Nuestras Raíces Student Speaker

The ones who supported the journeys of the students where present not only in the stands but also in each name that was called. Students, when submitting their names, also had an opportunity to add acknowledgements to others. Among those acknowledged were family, mothers, fathers, children, spouses, partners, grandmothers, and friends. Success is contagious, and no one walks alone.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Hispanic cultural stoles, which graduates will proudly wear during commencement as a symbol of their heritage, perseverance, and community pride. The ceremony blended celebration and reflection, creating space for students to recognize not only how far they have come academically, but also the families, cultures and sacrifices that supported them along the way.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, Dr. George Hernandez, psychology professor and member of the RVC Hispanic Committee asked the students to rise and face their families and friends. Thus, concluding the ceremony by thanking all those who supported and inspired the students in the pursuit and completion of their degrees.

As graduates prepare for commencement, the stole ceremony offers a meaningful moment of pride, belonging, and recognition, honoring not only the degrees earned at Rock Valley College, but also the cultural roots that continue to inspire students long after graduation.

About the RVC Hispanic Committee

The Hispanic Committee is open to all RVC employees that serve as change agents toward equitable representation and professional development while creating a bridge between immigrants, first-generation, bilingual, bicultural students and their families.