Hundreds soon to hit Southeast Texas workforce
More individuals will be flooding into the Southeast Texas workforces after two local two-year state colleges held Spring graduations May 15 and 16.
Both Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) and Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) had record-setting commencements for the Spring 2025 graduates.
LCSO honored its largest-ever graduating class during two Spring Commencement ceremonies at the G&G Enterprises Arena at West Orange Stark High School.
There were 498 students who earned degrees and certificates, culminating in the conferral of 602 total awards representing a 43% increase from Spring 2024 and a 403% increase since Spring 2018.
“This is more than just a record-breaking graduating class. It’s a testament to the drive, resilience, and determination of our students and our community,” said LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson. “Each graduate has a story, and together, they represent the future of Southeast Texas.”
Of this year’s graduates, 72% are first-generation college students, further demonstrating LSCO’s vital role in expanding access to higher education. Graduates ranged in age from 16 to 62, with an average GPA of 3.42.
Dual credit students accounted for more than half of the graduates, with 264 students earning 284 awards solidifying LSCO’s strong partnerships with area high schools and its commitment to early college access.
In total, 76% of awards conferred were certificates, highlighting LSCO’s focus on equipping students with job-ready skills for immediate entry into the workforce.
The campus was filled with cheers, smiles, and plenty of proud family members and friends as graduates crossed the stage, each step marking a new chapter of achievement and opportunity.
“We are proud of every graduate,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Wendy Elmore. “This moment reflects years of hard work and support from faculty, staff, and loved ones. LSCO continues to serve as a bridge to a brighter, Orange future.”
LSCPA, LIT marks historic milestone
LSCPA also celebrated a historic milestone as it honored the largest graduating class in the institution’s 116-year history. A total of 552 students have completed their academic journey this spring, with 465 graduates participating in the commencement ceremony at the Carl Parker Multipurpose Center on the LSCPA campus.
“This graduating class represents more than just a number, it’s a reflection of years of dedication, growth, and resilience,” said LSCPA President Dr. Betty Reynard. “These students have not only reached a significant personal milestone, but they are also part of a transformative moment in our college’s history.”
LSCPA has steadily expanded its academic programs and student services to better serve a ever-growing region across Texas and Southwest Louisiana. A significant driver of the college’s recent growth has been its dual credit program, which allows high school students to earn college credit before graduation — and in some cases, even graduate from college before they graduate from high school, according to school officials.
“The steady increase in dual credit enrollment has played a major role in our academic momentum,” said Dr. Pamela Millsap, vice president for Academic Affairs. “As more students begin their college careers earlier, we’re seeing higher rates of completion and a consistent rise in the number of graduates each semester.”
The Spring 2025 commencement not only marks a historic achievement in terms of size but also highlights the strength and diversity of LSCPA’s student body. Graduates represent a wide range of programs in health sciences, technical education, business, and general studies.
“We are deeply proud of each and every graduate,” Reynard added. “They are the embodiment of our mission to provide affordable, high-quality education that leads to meaningful careers and lifelong learning.”
Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) marked a historic milestone with during the 2025 Spring Commencement, hosting two separate ceremonies for the first time to honor a total of 702 graduates on May 15, according to a news release.
The celebration recognized 403 traditional students and 299 dual credit students, who collectively earned 769 awards. These included 321 associate degrees, 447 certificates, and one core completer recognition.
Graduates represented an array of academic disciplines as Technology programs led with 311 awards, followed by Allied Health and Sciences (151), General Education (120), Business Technologies (109), and Public Service and Safety (78). Additionally, over half of the regular graduates (213 students) received financial aid totaling $1,092,747 during their final semester.
May 16, LIT and its sponsoring law enforcement agencies honored the 149th class of the Regional Police Academy. The Spring 2025 cohort included 31 cadets representing sponsoring agencies from across Southeast Texas.
“At the heart of our mission is a commitment to preparing students for careers in high-demand, high-growth fields. These ceremonies stand as a testament to that commitment — our graduates are now ready to contribute, innovate and lead in every sector of today’s workforce.” said LIT President Dr. Sid Valentine. “We are proud to celebrate this accomplished group and ready to see where their next journey takes them.”
For more information about Lamar Institute of Technology, visit www.lit.edu.
— Dannie Oliveaux
