Graduation was held at Golden West College on Friday, May 21 in the Central Quad. This year 1,393 students were awarded an Associate in Arts Degree (774) or Certificate of Achievement (619), which included Summer 2009, Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 semesters. The oldest graduate was 68 and the youngest was 19. Six graduates were recognized for earning a perfect 4.0 and 133 students graduated with honors.
Forty-eight international students, from 12 countries, received their AA Degree or Certificate of Achievement. Flags representing their countries were placed around the Quad.
Russ Terry, EOPS Counselor, introduced this year’s R. Dudley Boyce Outstanding Student Patricia Elizondo, who delivered an inspiring speech to her fellow students. At the 2010 Scholarships and Awards Ceremony, Patricia was awarded ten scholarships, including the R. Dudley Boyce Outstanding Student Award. This award was named after the 1st Golden West College President and the recipient is the student speaker at the Graduation ceremony.
President Wes Bryan introduced the 2010 Commencement Speaker, Robert V. McDonald. “Bobby McDonald is one of us,” said President Bryan. “He was the Student Body President at Harbor College, just down the 405 freeway. He graduated from Cal State Fullerton and is the CSUF Alumni Association president. Currently he is President and Executive Director of the Black Chamber of Commerce of Orange County, a founder of the Orange County President’s Council and a founding member of the Orange County Sports Hall of Fame. He is a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran and was recently appointed to the State Board of Governors of the California Community College System where he chairs the Veteran’s Affairs Committee.”
A reception, provided by the Associated Students and GWC Patrons immediately followed the ceremony at the south end of the Quad.
