South Central College Commencement on Thursday, May 15
The 2025 Commencement Ceremony for South Central College (SCC) will take place Thursday, May 15 at the Bresnan Arena in Taylor Center on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. The ceremony starts at 4 p.m. with doors opening at 3 p.m. The event will celebrate graduates from the college’s Faribault and North Mankato campuses completing their programs in Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025.
Jen Worth, senior vice president of academic and workforce development for the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), will deliver the 2025 commencement address. In her role at AACC, Worth oversees projects that partner community college talent with companies seeing industry-relevant workers. “Jen stands out as a leader in national workforce development and we are privileged that she chose to speak at our commencement,” said SCC President Annette Parker.
Kathy Sheran and Chris Richter will represent the Minnesota State Board of Trustees, which oversees the 33 colleges and universities in the Minnesota State system. Governor Tim Walz appointed Sheran to the board in 2020 and Richter in 2023.
Sheran is a lifelong Mankato resident and leader who has impacted the region in a variety of positive ways. Her career has included working as a nurse herself and teaching others at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She also served as a Mankato city council member for 16 years and state senator for 10 years.
Richter, who is from Owatonna, started as a student representative on the Board of Trustees while still attending South Central College. He graduated from SCC in Spring 2024 with his associate of arts degree and is now taking classes across the Minnesota State system to complete his bachelor’s degree in political science, with plans to pursue a master’s degree in public policy and higher education.
“I continue to marvel at Trustees Sheran and Richter’s impressive achievements and am especially grateful to have two individuals from our region so deeply dedicated to ensuring the Minnesota State system continues to offer an extraordinary education at an exceptional value,” said Parker.
Carolin Mueller will deliver this year’s student remarks. Mueller graduated from SCC in Fall 2024, earning a business transfer pathways associate of science degree. While attending SCC, she was a student worker at the Faribault campus and served as a student advocate for increasing campus involvement and inclusivity. She is currently in her Optional Practice Training as a Recruiter at Spherion Staffing and Recruiting in Owatonna. “Carolin’s dedication to excelling in her own educational journey, as well as her willingness to selflessly reach out to enhance the college experience for other students, is an inspiration,” said Parker.
More commencement information is available at www.southcentral.edu/graduation.
