Fresno City College students will breathe a sigh of relief on May 21, the day many will graduate with a degree or certificate in a specific discipline.

Marisa Villanueva, a 19-year-old soon-to-be graduate who has been attending FCC since the winter of 2008, will receive her AA degree in liberal arts. Villanueva, who plans to attend Vanguard University of Southern California, considers her graduation a success.

“I’ve done what I set out to do,” Villanueva said, “and did more than I expected.”

Villanueva, who still lives at home, came to FCC planning to complete no more than transfer work. She said FCC has been convenient for her and many other students who live in the area.

A meaningful experience

FCC President Cynthia Azari, who will be attending this month’s ceremony as president for the second time, feels proud of the commencement. She said, “I want to ensure that it is meaningful for the graduates and the families.”

The commencement committee dedicates itself each year to make the ceremony special. This committee, which started meeting last fall, plans the commencement as well as the certificate and honors ceremony. Two co-chairs head the committee: Frances Lippmann from admissions and Dennis Atkins from counseling. Dr. Chris Villa is in charge. The same core people make up the committee, keeping the ceremonies uniform.

Distinguished alumnus Tom Flores will be the night’s featured speaker. Raiders fans know Flores as a football player and former coach, and also from radio.

Medallion marks achievement

Another important part of the ceremony is the presentation of the Dean’s Medallion, which is awarded to one student from each division. There will be up to eight recipients for the award. With an easier online application, the college has seen an increase in applicants from last year’s 70 to this year’s 100.

The Dean’s Medallion, awarded by the dean within each division, looks at not only academic achievements, but also obstacles the student may have had to overcome. Involvement in the community and participation on campus both play big roles in the deans’ deliberation. Students must hold a life goal that they hope to achieve. All of this combined will get a dean’s decision to award someone the Dean’s Medallion.

Receiving the award prompts the dean to share with the commencement’s audience a short biography of the student. Public Information Officer Kathy Bonilla said, “It’s the highest honor a student can hold.”

Commencement has become a time when everyone can join in celebrating the accomplishments of FCC’s students, Dr. Azari said. “Many of our students are first generation college students. And their receiving a degree or certificate often paves the way for other family members,” she said. “It sends a very strong message.”