“The Engine of Arizona”: State and City Leaders Honor UEI Phoenix Class of 2026

Graduation day is always a milestone, but for the UEI College Phoenix Class of 2026, this year’s ceremony came with an extra layer of prestige. On April 20th our graduates were honored by key Arizona officials who joined us to celebrate the hard work, resilience, and vital skills these new professionals are bringing to the Valley.

A Special Message from the Governor’s Office

Kevin LaMountain, Executive Director of Arizona Private Postsecondary Education, served as the keynote speaker. He brought with him a powerful message directly from Governor Katie Hobbs, who wanted the graduates to know exactly how much their contribution matters to the state.

“The Governor understands something very fundamental about Arizona. Our great state doesn’t run on speeches—and it certainly doesn’t run on good intentions. It runs on skilled people. It runs on people like you. Our hospitals and clinics don’t heal people on their own—they run because of you.”

Recognition from the City of Phoenix

The support for our graduates extended to the local level as well. City of Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego provided video remarks, offering a special acknowledgement of the class valedictorian. In an incredibly thoughtful gesture, Mayor Gallego also provided individual letters of recognition for every single graduate in attendance, ensuring each student felt the weight of their achievement.

Mastering a Craft That Lasts a Lifetime

During his address, Director LaMountain reminded the graduates that the education they received at UEI is more than just a certificate—it is a transformation. He highlighted that while the economy may shift, the value of a skilled trade is permanent.

Key highlights from his address included:

• The Economic Impact: “You are the engine of the Arizona economy.”
• The Future: “You’re a powerful sight, and the future is far better off because you are finally stepping into it.”
• The Power of Skill: “You chose to master a craft that nobody can ever take away from you.”
• Legacy: “Be proud of the skills your hands have mastered… and be proud of the legacy you have rewritten for the generations that will follow you.”

Building a Stronger Arizona

At UEI College, we pride ourselves on training the people who keep our communities running—the medical assistants, HVAC technicians, and automotive specialists who provide essential services. Seeing our state’s highest leaders recognize that same value reinforces why we do what we do.

To the Phoenix Class of 2026: You have the skills, you have the recognition, and you have a community behind you. We can’t wait to see the impact you make!