Picturing the Future: Portraits of Starbucks’ ASU Grads

Hundreds of Starbucks partners are graduating from Arizona State University this week through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, which offers tuition reimbursement. Some started college years ago and had to stop. Others are the first in their families to graduate with a college degree. Some wanted to set the example for their children that it can be done. For all of them, it's the culmination of hard work and determination.

Meet some of them here, just as they are stepping into futures full of opportunity.

Felicia Thompson, 29, Antioch, Calif.

Shift supervisor at Store 6914. 12-year partner. Bachelor's degree in information technology.

Getting a degree is … My biggest accomplishment. My sister is graduating high school and she is also a partner - she is thinking about SCAP too. I'm trying to set an example for everyone in my store. Goal: To be happy. Getting this degree filled a part of me.

Kelsey Laubie, 22, Brea, Calif.

Shift lead at Montevista Anaheim Hills. 4.5-year partner. Bachelor's degree in healthy lifestyle coaching

A college degree means … A new start. (Mom: A dream come true!)

Aristotle Jefferson, 25, San Jose, Calif.

Bachelor's degree in public policy and service. 2-year partner.

Getting a degree is … Years of hard work. I couldn't have done it without my fiancé, mom, dad and step-dad. Goal: To change the world little by little. This is the first step in that - definitely a dream come true, I'm a first-generation college graduate.

Kimberly Benson, 50, Seattle

Shift supervisor, Covington Esplanade store. 3-year partner. Bachelor's degree in communications

Getting a degree is … A new chapter and an opportunity. I went to college for two years after high school, then all four of my kids graduated from college and they said, 'you have to do it, you can do it, we'll help.' Goal: I want to work for SCAP! I didn't think I would ever do this - my children inspired me.

Kristen Pilcher, 29, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Shift lead at Store 13681. 10-year partner. Bachelor's degree in education

Getting a degree is … It means a lot. I never thought I'd graduate. Goal: Become a teacher. Be able to let kids know they can dream.

Brandon Anders, 34, Mesa, Ariz.

Regional operations specialist/branded solutions (SoCal). 14-year-partner. Bachelor's degree in business sustainability/certificate in applied business data analytics

Getting a degree is … Lots of opportunities for continued growth and learning. I finally did it! I've been thinking about doing it for a long time. It was a dream to finish and Starbucks made it possible for me. Goal: To be my best self - continue learning and growing. And to set a good example for my kids who are 9, 7 and 5.

Tai Winn, 23, Utah

Shift manager at Riverton, Store 10881. 1.5-year partner. Bachelor's degree in health sciences with a minor in criminology.

Getting a degree is … Everything. It shows I can do whatever I want to do. Goal: To go into forensic science.

Aimee Denkers, 37, San Diego

District manager, District 524. Bachelor's degree in organizational leadership.

Getting a degree is… I'm a first-generation college graduate. My 8-year-old will be here today for commencement. It's about inspiring him no matter what obstacles. I'm a district manager, a wife, a mom - I always thought I was too busy to go back.

Goal: I plan to go into PRO. I'm taking my SPHR exam later this year. And, to just get more people enrolled. I would not have finished without this program.

Allison Wood, 22, Puyallup, Wash.

Barista at Auburn Outlook Collection store. 2-year partner. Bachelor's degree in English.

Getting a degree is … I want to be a teacher, and I have a passion for teaching. Goal: I want to be an outlet for kids in high school. My teachers in high school were really there for me.

Cameron Saylor, 24, Sacramento, Calif.

Barista at Elkhorn and Diablo. 6-year partner. Bachelor's degree in nutrition communications

Getting a degree is … Opening the next chapter of my life. Goal: To help as many people as I can.

Alyssa Fagan, 23, Jersey City

Shift supervisor at Store 14479. 2-year partner. Bachelor's degree in art history

Getting a degree is … Very fulfilling. Goal: To support my family.

Becca Badger, 35, Seattle

Social Customer Care at Starbucks Support Center (HQ). 12.5-year-partner. Bachelor's degree in human and family development

Getting a degree is … Amazing. I'm a single mom with two kids, and I didnn't think I'd be able to finish. A month after I became a single mom, Starbucks announced SCAP and I joined the first year. Now I'm a college grad, two and a half years later. It would have been out of reach without Starbucks. Goal: I'm a lifer with Starbucks. I want to continue to grow - I might also be a lifer with ASU, they have an online master's degree in my major as well.

Brittany LaMaide, 23, Geneva, Ill.

Sotre manager in DeKalb, Ill. 5-year partner. Bachelor's degree in technologibcal entrepreneurship and management

Getting a degree is … An opportunity to move forward. It opens new doors. Goal: To pursue a career in something I love.

Christina Downard, 23, Sacramento, Calif.

Barista at Rockland store. 2-year partner. Bachelor's degree in criminal justice

Getting a degree is … Life. Freedom. I moved to California from Arizona. I was going to go to ASU before I moved - I was going to have to take out loans or take five years. My grandma found out about SCAP - and I looked into it and it was actually a thing! That I was committed to the program allowed me to take a year off to do a leadership training that required you be in college. The training shaped me, and I found my husband. And I got my degree in a year and half instead of five years! Goal: To do crime scene investigating and work with the FBI.

For more information on this news release, contact the Starbucks Newsroom