Information from South Seattle College

South Seattle College (SSC) celebrated the Class of 2025 on June 20 with a commencement ceremony at University of Washington’s Alaska Airlines Arena. The ceremony brought together graduates from South Seattle College, Seattle Central College and North Seattle College – all part of the Seattle Colleges District.  

611 graduates from SSC were recognized for their achievement of earning a degree or certificate.  

SSC President Monica Brown addressed graduates at the event, sharing advice for the future.

“Stay true to your values and goals, and you will navigate any adversity with confidence,” Dr. Brown said. “Tune out the noise and the chaos around you and protect your peace. Moreover, never underestimate the power of community and support. Surround yourself with those who uplift and encourage you, and be that support for others.” 

Menen Girma was selected as SSC’s 2025 commencement speaker.  As a first-generation college student and President of SSC’s student government, she worked to amplify student voices and advocate for change. Menen will attend New York University this fall on a full-ride scholarship and aspires to work for the United Nations, tackling global inequalities and empowering others to create change.

“Whether it was the staff who showed me balance was possible, or the professors who constantly reminded me that I had what it takes or the administrators who believed in me, even during the times when I was struggling to believe in myself …it is because of this community that I can proudly say I am the first Ethiopian American student government president,” Girma said. “All of this has proven to me that choosing South Seattle College was one of the best decisions I ever made.”

Commencement Facts

• South’s 611 graduates collectively earned 649 degrees and certificates (many students graduate with multiple certificates).  Awards include bachelor of applied science degrees for those furthering their expertise and earning potential, college transfer degrees for those planning to attend a four-year university as their next step, career training degrees and certificates for those seeking immediate employment, and high school completion awards.
• 123 graduates were part of Seattle Promise, a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools, and the City of Seattle following passage of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy in 2018.