As the Spring 2012 semester comes to a close, graduation ceremonies and awards are underway. Various graduation ceremonies and celebrations take place over the next two weeks.
Students and faculty are encouraged to come celebrate the various sacrifices and achievement of the graduating class of Spring 2012.
The Dean’s Medallion of Excellence ceremony, considered to be the most honorable award ceremony, takes place this Thursday, May 10 at 5:30 p.m. in room 251 of the Old Administration Building. Eight students from different departments will accept the Dean’s Medallion of Excellence and a scholarship based on their accomplishments on and off campus.
The award and $500 scholarships are decided upon based on a student’s extraordinary academic performances and the additional steps they took in working to uplift the community. “They have to demonstrate that they’ve achieved and overcome certain goals to earn their degree,” FCC Public Information Officer, Kathleen Bonilla said.
This year the faculty honors the distinguished excellence of Svetlana Andreyev from applied technology; Joshwin Greene from business; Pamela Galicia from fine, performing and communication arts; Melanie Contreras from health sciences; Denise M. Vela from humanities; Lance Van Truong from math, science and engineering; Cleadus Shelton from social science; and Cindy Alicia Quiralte from guidance and counseling, student services for their extraordinary performances on and off campus.
Graduation celebrations continue as the 9th annual Latino Graduation Celebration kicks off in the Free Speech Area this Friday, May 11 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
“On Saturday, May 12, we have two ceremonies. At 10:00 a.m. is the Certificate Recognition ceremony for people who are receiving certificates this year. And at 1:00 p.m. is the Honors Recognition ceremony for people who are graduating with honors,” Bonilla explained.
Bonilla clarified that those two ceremonies require tickets for entrance. All other graduation events are free to attend.
The semester’s final event, the Commencement Ceremony takes place at the Selland Arena on Friday, May 18 at 6:30 p.m. “Those eight Dean’s Medallion winners will also be in attendance at that ceremony,” Bonilla explained.
It is a privilege to not only achieve the goal of graduating, but also to have the opportunity to receive certification. Graduation rates are directly affected by state and administrative budget cuts.
“There are some majors that we don’t offer anymore,” Bonilla said. “That’s a chunk of people who aren’t getting their degree,” she continued.
Numerous students are denied the opportunity to accomplish their partially-completed goals at the college.
