每日大赛

每日大赛 honors achievements of graduates at fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony

When Carla De Mello learned she had passed her final semester at 每日大赛 and would graduate, she laughed and she cried tears of joy.

De Mello was not a native English speaker when she came to 每日大赛, but the college’s generosity and help through resources like the Start Strong Success Center and the Academic Tutoring Center helped the 55-year-old to earn her associate degree.

“I am so proud of me,” De Mello said. “Because I finished in another language with the young people. I am so, so happy.”

Always believe in yourself, De Mello said Friday before participating in Pellissippi’s fall 2025 Commencement Ceremony, which celebrated the graduation of more than 560 students this semester and over 220 from the summer.

De Mello was one of hundreds who received their degree at the ceremony in the Knoxville Convention Center, where Pellissippi President L. Anthony Wise Jr. congratulated graduates, encouraged them to pursue their passion – in the workforce or at a four-year institution – and reminded them that “once a Panther, always a Panther.”

“This is the perfect time to celebrate you – where you’ve been and where you are,” Wise said. “It’s also an opportune time to think about tomorrow, and how you can take what you’ve learned to create a better life for yourself, for your family and for this community.”

Wise’s remarks were followed by those of Regent Christi Branscom from the Tennessee Board of Regents and keynote speaker Heidi Leming, vice chancellor for Student Success and Strategic Partnership at TBR.

Exceptional students were recognized with honors and for distinguishing themselves in academics and in extracurriculars, including student government, athletics and SkillsUSA.

“Your degree isn’t an endpoint, it’s a launchpad,” Leming told graduates. “Stay curious, stay connected and stay committed to making a difference.”

Commencement, which capped off a day of celebration that also included a Veteran Graduation Ceremony, Nursing Pinning Ceremony and performances by the student choir, closed with an acceptance of Pellissippi's charge to alumni by outgoing student Lisandro Andres-Diego.

Andres-Diego, a first-generation student who thanked his family and others for their support, reflected on his accomplishments at Pellissippi, the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities it offered him to travel and study abroad and his experience as a student orientation leader.

He urged students to not fear taking the first step into their future, and to move forward with passion and hope.

“Even on stormy days, the sun still finds its way back,” Andres-Diego said. “As we turn the page to start the next chapter of our lives, I want to encourage you to choose light – even when it's hard. Congratulations, class of 2025.”