ASI Student Government President Daisy Navarette takes a selfie of the
commencement audience during her afternoon speech.
海角社区CI celebrated commencement with two in-person ceremonies held on campus May 18 at the South Quad. Thousands of parents, families, and friends cheered for graduating students who received bachelor鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degrees, and credentials, during the morning and afternoon ceremonies. Students eligible to graduate were 2,380 with more than 1,550 participating in the ceremonies.
During the morning ceremony, an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was awarded to Vanessa Bechtel, Chief Executive Officer of the Ventura County Community Foundation, who was a first-generation student and is a staunch supporter of higher education.
During the afternoon ceremony, former 海角社区CI Counseling & Psychological Services counselor Angela Timmons, who has dedicated her professional life to supporting peoples鈥 mental health, received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Both community leaders were honored for their continued support of 海角社区CI and its students. To read more about the honorary doctorate recipients see page 12 or visit: .
Graduating student speakers selected to provide remarks during the ceremonies included Sean Himebaugh in the morning, and Daisy Navarette, ASI Student Government President, in the afternoon.
Ivana Montalvo sang the National Anthem in the morning and Miguela Soriano in the afternoon. Welcome greetings in Spanish were offered by Maurine Barboza in the morning and Silvia Acosta P茅rez in the afternoon.
The striking of a Navy ship bell is bestowed upon an honored staff member of the campus community and symbolizes the official opening of each commencement ceremony. This year鈥檚 honorees included Rogelio Mendoza, Facilities Project Supervisor; and Christine Opzzeland, Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Coordinator.
The Light of Learning symbolizes the University鈥檚 commitment to the life of the mind and the central role played by outstanding faculty. The Honorary Marshal who carries the Light of Learning is selected by the President as an administrator or faculty member who has demonstrated and extraordinary commitment to students and the University. Julia 鈥淛ules鈥 Bal茅n, Faculty Development Fellow and Professor of English and Freedom & Justice Studies, was selected to carry the Light of Learning.
The 海角社区CI Mace represents the authority of the University at official and ceremonial functions for the lifetime of the institution and is carried by the Chief University Marshal and Academic Senate Chair. This year the Mace was carried by Jason Miller, Professor of Mathematics.