UEI Albuquerque Celebrates First Graduating Class
The energy was electric on May 1at the United Education Institute (UEI) inaugural graduation ceremony in Albuquerque, honoring the first 100 graduates to complete their programs since the campus opened its doors last year.
The landmark event was distinguished by the presence of New Mexico State Senator Michael Padilla, who served as the keynote speaker and actively participated in the day’s celebrations.
The ceremony marked a series of “firsts” for the Albuquerque community, as these new professionals prepared to enter the local workforce in high-demand fields. Senator Padilla demonstrated his deep commitment to the graduates by arriving early to mentor students and instructors behind the scenes before joining Campus President Chris Callisto on stage to personally hand-deliver diplomas to every individual in the Class of 2026.
During his inspiring keynote address, Senator Padilla offered a powerful shift in perspective for the graduates. “I want you to look to the left, look to the right… You are colleagues now,” he said. “You’re not just fellow students. You’re not just neighbors. You are actually colleagues now. And I want you to lift each other up.”
The Senator also took a moment to recognize the faculty and staff who supported the students throughout their journey. “You didn’t just teach lessons, you built confidence,” noted Senator Padilla. “You didn’t just train students, you shaped professionals for the future.”
“Always remember the journey is more important than the destination, and my journey was made even better by the people who walked it with me.,” said Allied Health Valedictorian and Dental Assistant graduate Destiny Garcia. “Thank you, UEI for changing my life. All of our lives.”
“I’m 54 years old and I haven’t been in school since the 1980s. I’m here to tell each and every future student, if you really put in the time, effort, and work into this, I promise you will be the next one on this stage receiving a diploma,” said Skilled Trades Valedictorian and HVAC graduate Jason Smolky. “My instructor’s knowledge and methods of teaching were crucial. He became more than just a teacher; he became a mentor. I was able to take what I learned in the classroom and the labs and put it into action in the field to make it all come together.”
“We are incredibly proud of our Albuquerque graduates and the resilience they have shown in becoming the first class to represent this campus,” said Chris Callisto, UEI Albuquerque Campus President. “Having Senator Padilla here made this milestone truly unforgettable for our students and their families.”
UEI’s graduation highlights the vital role UEI plays in the Albuquerque economy, providing a pipeline of skilled, career-ready professionals dedicated to serving their community.
“Watching our students transition from classmates to colleagues is the ultimate reward. This ceremony isn’t just a conclusion; it’s the beginning of 100 new careers that will strengthen the fabric of the Albuquerque community,” Callisto said.
UEI is an accredited institution that offers a range of vocational and skilled trade programs to help students earn a diploma and get started in a new career in as few as 10 months. In addition to career-focused education, UEI Albuquerque provides students with extensive support services, including career advising and job placement assistance.
Programs offered at UEI in Albuquerque include Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Insurance Coding, Dental Assistant, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Technician, and Electrician Technician.
