Student awards announced at COCC’s commencement
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Central Oregon Community College’s 2025 commencement ceremony, held on Saturday with more than 300 graduates in attendance, included the naming of four student award recipients: Brad Bennett, Betsy Green, Kaia Hagenbach and Nasadia Voltz.
In full, 759 degrees and certificates are being awarded this academic year at COCC: 598 degrees and 161 certificates.
Kaia Hagenbach, of Bend, received the Walter G. Coombs Distinguished Achievement Award, which recognizes the student who maintains the highest scholastic average among those receiving a certificate of completion. Hagenbach earned certificates in graphic design and illustration while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Betsy Green, of Bend, merited the COCC Distinguished Student Service Award, an honor presented to the student who exhibits a strong contribution to the campus though innovative initiatives, volunteerism, leadership and academic excellence. Green has held leadership roles in student government and in student clubs such as the Q+ and Umbrella Clubs, and also served as an admissions ambassador. She earned an associate of arts Oregon transfer degree and is planning a career in higher education.
Nasadia Voltz, of Bend, received the Avon F. Mayfield Award, presented to a student who displays progress in scholarship, quality of leadership, contribution to student welfare, progress toward useful and active citizenship and outstanding service. Voltz, a first-generation college student, received an associate of applied science degree in addiction counseling and behavioral health. She has been an advocate for others, pushing for change in addiction recovery and highlighting harm reduction.
Brad Bennett, of Bend, received the Helen Leicester Honorary Scholastic Award, a COCC award that honors the student who receives an associate degree while maintaining the highest GPA with the highest number of credits. While earning an associate of applied science in paramedicine, Bennett maintained a straight 4.0 GPA with 94 credits earned. He is currently a state-certified paramedic and working as a firefighter-paramedic with Crook County Fire & Rescue.
The commencement ceremony featured student speaker Irving Daniel of Bend who earned his GED through COCC and went on to receive certification training as a peer support specialist and a certificate in community health, leading to a job as a residential counselor in behavioral health. Daniel led a campus-wide binge-drinking awareness campaign. He plans to pursue an associate of arts Oregon transfer degree in public health and then transfer to a university.
Central Oregon Community College is celebrating 75 years of opportunity. Founded in 1949, COCC — Oregon’s first community college — marks a major milestone this academic year (2024-25) of bringing higher learning, connection and enrichment to the region.
