DMACC will honor more than 3,800 graduates across six campuses during its 2025 commencement ceremonies, beginning Wednesday, May 7.
As of April 28, DMACC is awarding a total of 5,065 degrees, diplomas and certificates across all six campuses – a 422-award increase from the last year.
A total of 1,279 graduates are expected to participate in the ceremonies, which recognize students who completed their programs in Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025.
DMACC President Rob Denson, who plans to retire at the end of 2025 after more than two decades of leadership, will speak at the Des Moines Metro commencement ceremony May 7th. DMACC’s Boone and DMACC Carroll will host commencement ceremonies Friday, May 9th at 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively.
“As I reflect on my final commencement season at DMACC, I’m inspired by the drive and determination of our students,” said Denson. “Their success is what makes DMACC such a special place, and I’m proud to be part of their journey.”
Among this year’s graduates are more than 125 high school students who have earned their Associate of Arts degrees through DMACC’s Career Advantage program – a record-breaking number that continues to grow each year (up from 106 in 2024 and 80 in 2023).
“We’re seeing more and more students and schools recognize the value of early college credit,” said Michael Lentsch, Director of DMACC’s Career Advantage program. “This spring, for example, Johnston High School is celebrating a milestone with their first-ever students earning associate degrees before they even graduate high school.”
One of those two Johnston students, a graduating senior, says the decision was driven by both practicality and passion:
“My main inspiration for completing my Associate of Arts degree from DMACC stems from realizing how much time and money I can save just by dedicating myself to hard work right now,” she said.
The graduate plans to attend the University of Iowa to study Biochemistry & Molecular Biology on a pre-med/pre-doctoral track and hopes her story inspires others to consider the opportunity:
“It’s very possible to get your AA as a high school student and still have time for fun teenage activities – we all have the same 24 hours, so make the most of them.”
A full schedule of commencement ceremonies, parking details, and live stream links are available at dmacc.edu/registrar/commencement.html.
The 2025 commencement reflects not only the academic accomplishments of DMACC students, but also the college’s continued mission to make education more accessible, affordable, and transformative.
“Whether our students are 17 or 70, whether they’re transferring to a university or starting a career — they’ve shown remarkable persistence,” Denson said. “We’re proud of each and every one.”
MEDIA CONTACT:
Savannah Eadens
Public Relations & Communications Specialist
515-675-3275