Pueblo Community College Southwest will recognize its 2026 graduates on May 16 at Montezuma-Cortez High School, 418 S. Sligo St. in Cortez.
Two ceremonies will be held:
11am – Arts and sciences division; business and advanced technology division
1pm – Medical and behavioral health division; health professions and public safety division
This year 367 students will earn a total of 454 degrees or certificates. Students can complete multiple credentials in programs such as automotive technology, welding and emergency medical services. Eight students will receive a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The class of 2026 includes 184 graduates from 10 area high schools who participated in PCC’s concurrent enrollment program – nearly triple the number of concurrent enrollment graduates from last year (69). Through concurrent enrollment, high schoolers earn college credit and tuition is paid by their school district. This year’s concurrent enrollment students earned 219 degrees or certificates, including 26 associate degrees.
PCC will also recognize Luke North as the 2026 President’s Distinguished Scholar for the Southwest campus. Award recipients are selected by committee for demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and commitment to excellence. North will earn an associate degree in nursing and enter the 12-month graduate residency program at Mercy Hospital in Durango, working in the emergency department. He also plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in nursing.
The events are free and open to the public. Both graduation ceremonies will be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend in person:
11 a.m. ceremony – https://vimeo.com/event/5918952?fl=so&fe=fs
1 p.m. ceremony – https://vimeo.com/event/5915227?fl=so&fe=fs
Per Montezuma-Cortez High School policy, a maximum of 400 people will be allowed in the auditorium, and seating will be first come, first served, with no saved or gap (empty) seats. A clear bag policy will be enforced, and knives, guns and metal objects will not be allowed into the building.
Founded in 1933, Pueblo Community College is a premier teaching institution focused on providing academic and service excellence, without discrimination, to help its students acquire the 21st-century skills needed to better their lives. An educational and technological leader, PCC fosters economic development and utilizes strong partnerships in the communities it serves through its Pueblo, Fremont and Southwest campuses.