Davis Tech Celebrates Largest Graduating Class
More than 2,000 family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered at Western Sports Park yesterday to celebrate the Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) semi-annual graduation. With 1,223 graduates, this is the largest graduating class in its history, highlighting the growing demand for career-focused education and the life-changing opportunities it offers.
While the record-setting class is impressive, the real story is the students behind the numbers. Each graduate took an important step toward building a brighter future for themselves and their families. For faculty members, watching that growth is one of the most meaningful parts of the job.
“I get to see students come in at the beginning of their program not always knowing what to expect, and then, little by little, they gain knowledge, confidence, and skills,” said commencement speaker Codi Frederiksen, a Davis Tech Pharmacy Technician faculty member. “By the time graduation comes around, they’re not the same person who walked through the door on their first day. They are ready for a career and to make a difference in the world.”
Among the graduates recognized was Isabelle Salvador, a Culinary Arts graduate who has recently been hired at the Davis Tech Café. Through extensive hands-on training in a commercial kitchen, Salvador was able to apply her skills immediately in the workplace and transition into employment quickly. She expressed appreciation to her instructors, family, and friends saying, “they all helped me believe that I could have a good life. They helped me develop.” She thanked them for the “very good advice and good instructions to advance her career.”
In her keynote address, Snow College President Stacee McIff talked about a “growth mindset” and that, “When you're willing to learn, accept feedback, and take responsibility, you become someone people want to hire, and work with.” She continued, “If you make a mistake, own it. Skip the excuse. Explore more carefully, then help make it right. Do this at work. Do this with your family and friends, and people will know this is how you respond when things are difficult. You already showed that you can learn. Now make it a lifelong commitment to keep discovering and adding value.”
To add value to these graduates’ certificates, McIff noted, “Maybe you haven't heard about TechConnect yet, but our teams have worked together to make a pathway from a technical certificate to an associate degree easier to navigate, building on what you have already learned and accomplished. We'll take all of the work you've done and apply it to an associate degree.”
That is precisely the purpose of TechConnect. The program creates a seamless pathway for students to apply their technical college credits toward an associate degree, building on their existing achievements while expanding their educational and career opportunities.
In the 2025-26 school year, 61 Davis Tech students transferred to Snow College through the TechConnect program, and 283 students transferred across the eight Utah technical colleges.
Additionally, through its partnership with the Utah Department of Corrections (UDC), Davis Tech helps individuals gain skills, employment opportunities, and a path forward. UDC students are included in this year's graduating class and have access to 11 programs, including welding, automotive, and business. Since 2010, thousands have participated in career-focused training, with 494 students enrolled last year alone. The success of the partnership is evident in a recidivism rate of just 28% for Davis Tech graduates, significantly lower than the national average of approximately 70%.
Together with industry, education, and community partners, Davis Tech continues to shape futures and strengthen communities. By providing pathways to rewarding careers, the college is helping students build better lives while meeting the workforce needs of Utah's growing economy.
To see the photos from the evening, click here