CC graduation moved for first time in 30 years

A rainy Monday put a damper on a long-standing tradition for Colorado College graduates.

The college had to scramble and move its graduation ceremony inside.

It was the first time that graduates didn’t cross the stage on campus in more than 30 years.

Instead, 500 graduates and their families went to the World Arena for this year’s ceremony.

We caught up with grads and asked them what their plans are for the “real world.”

“The majority of students are probably leaving, but there is a good handful of students who are staying. They’ve found positions and are excited to stick around,” Colorado College graduate, Michelle Giraldes said.

At last year’s graduation, we spoke with local economist Fred Crowley, who said most graduates were leaving southern Colorado to find work.

A year later, Crowley says that the conversation among graduates has changed.

More seem to be staying, thanks to new jobs.

“Colorado Springs is a great place to have a year post-grad, and it’s pretty cheap to live here, so I can create savings,” said Madison Andres, another Colorado College graduate.

“The biggest thing is having the opportunity for college students. Internships and part-time jobs. Those are the things that connect people in and make them stay,” said Giraldes.

“It will be different, being here without a lot of my friends, but I’m really excited,” said Andres.

Currently in the Pikes Peak region, there are about 1,080 entry-level job positions requiring a bachelor’s degree.

The top job titles include personal banker, software engineer, physical therapist and sales rep.