The 2025 Ozarks Technical Community College Commencement Ceremony speaker for the 6 p.m. ceremony is Derek Saiko.
Derek is receiving his Associate of Arts in Business, which he completed during the 2024 fall semester.
Derek’s journey through Ozarks Tech is defined by his commitment to building meaningful connections and a drive to learn from every opportunity he encounters. When Derek first stepped on campus in 2022 he wasn’t sure exactly where his path would lead.
Like many Ozarks Tech students, he planned to use his A+ Scholarship at Ozarks Tech before transferring to a four-year university. Along the way, one economics course sparked his interest in business, and he knew he had found the right direction.
Outside the classroom, Derek immersed himself in the student life opportunities he found at Ozarks Tech. He joined Politically Active and became a member of the Ozarks Tech chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges. These organizations provided him with a strong sense of community and opportunities for personal growth.
Derek’s passion for learning extends beyond academics. He worked multiple jobs, sometimes holding up to five at one time. From roles at the Springfield Cardinals Stadium and Brightspeed Ice Park to serving at Flat Creek and much more, he grew and built a skillset to utilize in his future.
Derek also volunteers with Ozarks Food Harvest and makes time to participate in SALT and StuMO, two Christian organizations focused on faith and creating fellowship. His enthusiasm for community also extended to campus events, where he frequently encouraged and recruited students to get involved – simply because he wanted others to experience the same sense of belonging he found at Ozarks Tech.
Now, Derek is continuing his education at Missouri State University, where he is studying financial planning. One day, he hopes his education and experiences will allow him to open his own business and help others plan for success.