SOWELA to Celebrate Fall Graduates at Ceremony on Friday, December 12
Lake Charles, Louisiana – December 3, 2025
Just one week before committing to another university, Rohama Daniel made a life-changing decision: to pursue the Chemical Laboratory Technology program at SOWELA Technical Community College. SOWELA had already transformed her family’s future. Her father completed the same program after immigrating to the United States and rebuilding his career from the ground up. Watching his determination inspired her to follow his path and choose SOWELA as the place to begin writing her own story.
Daniel says SOWELA represents opportunity and renewal. “SOWELA showed me that if you’re willing to put in the work, there are endless possibilities,” she said. As Daniel progressed through the program, she discovered a deep love for chemistry and the impact it can have on everyday life. “The smallest reactions create the biggest changes,” she said. “That curiosity still drives me every day in the lab.” Daniel also credits her decision to divine direction, saying she believes God guided her to SOWELA.
Her time at the College has been marked by leadership, community and personal growth. Serving as Student Government Association President allowed her to build campus community, advocate for students and lead major events like Fall Fest and Cram Jam. Daniel also gained valuable professional experience working for Joseph Lavergne, director of recruitment, whose mentorship strengthened her confidence and leadership skills. She expressed appreciation for her Magnolia Building colleagues, who supported her through every milestone and helped turn challenges into successes.
What surprised Daniel most about SOWELA was the personalized experience. Instructors learned her goals, supported her through obstacles and helped her discover strengths she didn’t realize she had. “SOWELA isn’t just a place to earn a degree—it’s a place where people truly invest in you,” Daniel said.
Her education prepared her for her current role as a Level 1 Laboratory Technician for the City of Lake Charles. She performs critical water quality analyses to ensure community water meets safety standards. Daniel takes pride in knowing her work directly impacts public health.
Looking ahead, she plans to continue growing in the lab field while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. She hopes to apply her technical background to large-scale industrial processes and remain active in her community through leadership and service.
Daniel and 367 of her fellow SOWELA classmates are eligible to receive degrees for Fall 2025. SOWELA will host its 62nd Commencement ceremony on Friday, December 12, at 2 p.m. at the Lake Charles Event Center. Lake Charles Memorial Hospital President and CEO Devon Hyde will give the Commencement address.
SOWELA’s graduation ceremony is open to the public. It will also be live streamed through the College’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mysowela. For information about Commencement, contact SOWELA at (337) 421-6550 or email graduationinfo@sowela.edu.
About SOWELA Technical Community College
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.