San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQ) celebrated 12 incarcerated students as they graduated from Mount Tamalpais College.
The graduation ceremony was held June 20 in the plaza area inside Chapel B.
The event was hosted by Amy Jamgochian, Chief Executive Officer and Accreditation Liaison of Mount Tamalpais College (MTC). She warmly welcomed attendees and emphasized the significance of this day.
“Today is a celebration of achievement, transformation, and community,” she declared, setting an inspiring tone for the ceremony.
Mount Tamalpais College celebrates a dozen graduates
The keynote address was delivered by Air Force veteran David Cowan, director of Bonafide, and a graduate of the class of 2007. Cowan reflected on his journey and the importance of second chances.
“Today is a very significant day,” he said. “I remember my father’s words: ‘Don’t make mistakes you can’t recover from.’ Whether or not we recover depends on the decisions we make. I am incredibly proud of each of you.”
He told graduates their growth is ongoing and acknowledged the vital role played by families, staff, and supporters.
“This day carries more meaning for you and your loved ones. It’s about recovery, growth, and a second chance,” he emphasized.
Education is rehabilitation
While 12 graduates were recognized for their perseverance and achievement, three spoke during the ceremony:
- Robert Barnes, 2025 valedictorian
- David Ditto, 2024 valedictorian, passing the mantle
- Dennis Jefferson, salutatorian
“I remember helping set up for past graduations. Look at me now. The road to redemption is humbling,” Jefferson shared. He also paid tribute to his late mother, whose encouragement to pursue education remains a guiding light.
“She used to say, ‘I just want you to go to a good school.’ Today, I hope she’s proud as I stand here,” he said.
He also reflected on how college helped him shed shame and reclaim his life, describing the journey as one guided by an inner compass.
“This experience has given me hope,” Jefferson concluded.
Passing the mantle: ‘Faculty’s belief in us changes lives’
In a special moment, 2024 valedictorian David Ditto handed the symbolic graduation sash to Robert Barnes.
Barnes, the newly crowned valedictorian, shared his story testimony of transformation and rehabilitation.
“It’s an honor to represent the class of 2025,” he said. “I was once a villain, but MTC never saw me that way. The faculty’s belief in us changes lives.”
Barnes praised volunteers and faculty from Cal and Stanford universities for their unwavering support, which helped him see his own potential.
“Can we continue to strive? Can we show the world what incarcerated individuals are capable of? We can be heroes of our own stories,” he challenged.
Family support helps Mount Tamalpais College students
Jody Lewen, President of Mount Tamalpais College, thanked families and staff.
“We consider you part of the MTC community, even before we meet you,” she said.
Lewen also praised the dedicated faculty and volunteers—Jeff, Lilly, Kelly, Mark, Teresa—and the prison staff for their unwavering support.
“Your commitment makes this transformative work possible,” she affirmed.
Jamgochian encouraged graduates to continue learning and growing.
“Congratulations to each graduate. Your resilience, growth, and courage inspire us all,” she said.
Graduates earned associate degrees in liberal arts.
Submitted by Lt. G. Berry
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