GWC faculty lined the pathway of the student processional, to cheer and shower them with confetti.
Golden West College held its 48th Annual Commencement Ceremony on May 28, 2015 in the Central Quad. The ceremony began with a Presentation of the Flags by the GWC Police Academy Class 150 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ian de Jesus Hemosillo, ASGWC President. GWC Choral students Saffron Brauer and Joseph Perkins sang the National Anthem, accompanied by Janic Massatt on the piano.
President West Bryan welcomed the platform party, students, and guests and shared some facts about the Class of 2015. This year, GWC students were awarded 2,389 degrees and certificates. 1210 students received an Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree, which includes the Summer 2014, Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 semesters. 1179 students received certificates from 18 occupational areas. 26 international students from 11 countries received and AA or AS degree and three received a Certificate of Achievement. There were 271 students graduating with honors having earned a 3.5 grade point average or higher and 14 graduates with a perfect 4.0. All 14 students were asked to stand and be recognized. There have been two other ceremonies outside of this graduation ceremony. At the two Nursing Pinning Ceremonies 88 students received diplomas this year, and in our two Police Academy ceremonies, 109 students graduated.
Lizbett Rodriguez, Golden West’s 2015 R. Dudley Boyce Outstanding Student, delivered the Student Address. The award, named in memory of the first GWC President, was established to recognize a student who most exemplifies the quality of leadership. The recipient customarily delivers the Student Address at graduation.
Lizbett spoke about the opportunities that she was able to take advantage of at GWC, and said, “Golden West College has seen me blossom as a leader, but most importantly as an individual. Throughout my journey here, I learned to trust that nothing or no one could ever stop me from accomplishing my dream.”
Lizbett received her Associate in Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and plans to attend CSU Fullerton in the Fall to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Her goal is to become a social worker in a police department where she can help children. Ms. Rodriguez was introduced by her mentor, Derrick Watkins, Instructor in the GWC Criminal Justice Training Center.
President Bryan chose GWC Alumnus Michael “Mike” Dodd, class of 1973, to give the Commencement Address. Mike played two sports while at Golden West and was named Rustler of the Year. He went on to play professional baseball as a catcher for the Minnesota Twins and the San Francisco Giants. After playing pro-ball he earned his BA Degree at CSULB along with his secondary teaching credential. He has enjoyed a 32-year career as a high school English teacher and baseball coach. Mike is considered and respected as one of Orange County’s most successful high school baseball coaches, winning over 340 games.
Mr. Dodd said he was very honored to have been asked to give the Commencement Address. He shared that it was on his “bucket list” and it was a highlight in his career. He added, “It is a great honor, because for me, Golden West College is where I gained confidence and was where my life began.”
Dr. Lorraine Prinsky, President, of the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees, accepted the class of 2015. Golden West College Vice-Presidents Janet Houlihan and Dr. Omid Pourzanjani read the student names. Martie Ramm Engle, Academic Senate President, and Nikki Plaster, Teacher of the Year, handed out diplomas to 389 students to the cheers of over 1,000 family members and friends.
Congratulations to all!
PHOTO GALLERY
The full video of the ceremony will be available on YouTube soon.
