Students celebrated at 2015 commencement
Benaroya Hall was once again filled to capacity in June for Seattle Central College’s 49th Commencement Ceremony. The college awarded nearly 800 associate transfer degrees, which enable students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor’s degrees; another 500 associate degrees and certificates were awarded to students who will enter the workforce immediately, in fields such as healthcare, graphic design, construction, apparel design, information technology and business; and 75 students received a high school diploma or GED. The college also awarded 26 bachelor’s degrees to students in the Applied Behavioral Science program.
Graduate Pedro Marquez gave a compelling speech that implored his peers to use their education to confront injustice. President Paul Killpatrick also announced the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award, Loyce Ong’udi. Her speech at the ceremony described the work she is doing to help her native village in Kenya, whichhas been ravaged by the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She challenged the graduates: “Your education has opened a door for you, use your education to open doors for others.”
The 2015 Awards for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Service were also announced. Frank Mestemacher from the Carpentry Program and Valerie Hunt, Ph.D., from the Applied Behavioral Science program were selected as this year’s recipients for their leadership, performance and excellence.