|
GCC
Holds Spring Commencement Celebration
Glendale Community
College's 45th Annual Commencement Ceremony was celebrated on
the main campus's Central Mall, May 14. More than 3,000
students, ranging in age from 16 to 73, received degrees and
certificates.
Delivering the
keynote address was Chuck Montgomery, a city of Glendale
deputy fire chief, GCC alumni and member of the President's
Circle. Brittany MacPherson, president of the Associated
Student Government, and Robert Reavis, a member of the biology
faculty, also addresses the assembly.
President Velvie
Green presided over the ceremony, introducing dignitaries and
the Class of 2010. Conferring the associate degrees and
certificates was Randolph Lumm, president of the Maricopa
Community Colleges Governing Board.
Dean Fernando Camu presents flowers to Jean Ann Abel
honoring her
retirement from GCC after more than two decades of service.
Special recognition and flowers were given to Vice President
of Academic Affairs Jean Ann Abel as she retires from GCC
after serving the college for more than two decades.
A few notable
graduates were acknowledged by Dr. Green including:
Rosita Larsen
At 73-years-young,
Rosita says graduating with honors is the best revenge. When
the former nun decided to return to college to increase her
business expertise, one university told her that her degree in
Theology meant little and she should go elsewhere. She says
that GCC offered her the opportunity to excel and made her
feel she truly belonged. Rosita, who stands as a terrific
example that education is for all ages, says the young
students who are raising families and working while attending
classes inspire her.
Christian Bearden
The first in his
family to attend college, he sets a high standard with a GPA
of 3.9. Next on his docket is a prestigious summer internship
at Georgetown University and then back to Arizona in the fall
to work on his bachelor's degree at ASU. In his sights is the
Sandra Day O'Conner College of Law. At GCC, he has earned a
place in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. A former high
school football player, he now coaches youth sports and has
given 300 hours of community service to environmental issues
as well as taking part in this spring break's service-learning
S.L.I.C.E. program (Service, Learn, Inspire, Change, Educate).
Janice Gordon-Caddy
Sometimes dreams
are held by several generations. Janice says her mother wanted
to go college but nine children and marriage at a young age
kept her from her goal. Janice started down the same path plus
had serious health issues and lost her job. Finally, with the
help of grants and student loans, she began taking a full load
of classes. An internship in the Arizona juvenile justice
department has set her on a path to become a youth corrections
officer. She says it has been a tough road but worth it just
to see the pride her mother's eyes watching both their dreams
of college come true.
Lewis Robinson
This well-spoken
young scholar is known for his debate skills. He won a bronze
in persuasive public speaking at the national forensics
tournament. The 20-year-old incorporates volunteerism in his
education and is a member of GCC's Associated Student
Government and Sigma Chi Eta, the honor society of the
National Communication Association.
Hussein Shaban
Graduating from
Sunrise Mountain High School, Hussein says he's glad he took
the advice of his friend's mother and came to GCC where he
received a lot of attention and academic guidance. He says
some of the "awesome" faculty even have cell phones
dedicated just for students. President of the Environmental
Club, Hussein immediately jumped in the collegiate scene
joining the Philosophy Club, International Student Association
and student government. If it sometimes seems he's in two
places at one time, it's because his twin brother Yusef is
also a Gaucho. Hussein takes his AA degree to ASU where he
plans on majoring in political science and becoming an
attorney.
|
