More Than 800 Graduates Cross the Stage in Twin Falls
The College of Southern Idaho wrapped up its spring commencement season this week, honoring more than 800 graduates across five separate ceremonies held in Twin Falls. Students completing programs spanning animal science, engineering, criminal justice, welding, and veterinary technology were among those who walked the stage and turned their tassels before packed crowds of family members, friends, and faculty.
The series of ceremonies drew capacity attendance, reflecting both the size of CSI’s graduating class and the deep community ties the institution has built across Magic Valley. Graduates came from dozens of academic and technical programs, underscoring the college’s role in preparing students for a wide range of careers in the region.
Jonathan Lord, CSI’s Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, spoke to the significance of the milestone — not just for students, but for the college itself. “We exist for this,” Lord said. “It’s a milestone for them, but it is also a foundation — something that allows them to move out into the community to better themselves and hopefully better the work they do.”
Graduates Reflect on the CSI Experience
For many students, CSI provided more than academic credentials — it offered a community. Graduate Emmary Parker described the college environment as one that encouraged both personal growth and resilience. “CSI has given me the opportunity and a community that allows me to grow and also allows me to make mistakes and challenge myself,” Parker said, adding that the experience left her feeling prepared for whatever comes next.
That sentiment reflects what CSI has long represented for Twin Falls County and the broader Magic Valley area: an accessible path to higher education and workforce-ready skills for students who might otherwise face significant barriers to a four-year university. Whether entering the workforce directly or transferring to a four-year institution, CSI’s 2026 graduates leave with credentials that carry real regional weight.
The college has continued expanding its student offerings in recent years. Twin Falls High graduate Kyler Auth is set to join CSI’s inaugural esports team this fall, and Burley standout Nash Gillette recently signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the Eagles, reflecting the college’s growing footprint in both academics and athletics.
What Comes Next
CSI’s commencement activities are not quite finished. The college is scheduled to host an additional ceremony on Friday, May 16, at 10 a.m., honoring students who completed their GED. That event will mark the final chapter of the 2026 graduation season for the institution.
For Twin Falls County and Magic Valley, each graduating class from CSI represents a fresh wave of workers, entrepreneurs, and community members entering — or staying in — the region. With programs ranging from technical trades to health sciences, the college remains one of the area’s most important economic and educational assets.