Grads eager to face the real world
CALEXICO — After investing so much of the past four years at San Diego State University-Imperial Valley graduates felt sadness and a bit of anxiety facing the unfamiliar realm they progress to, but are excited to embrace the challenges their degree confers.
Remarking the substantial sacrifices graduates made SDSU-IV President Elliot Hirshman expressed confidence Friday, these new alumni will serve our region and nation in the most auspicious professions and government posts.
“Our alumni are innovators and leaders,” he said. “Their hard work that helped them persevere here will assure their future success.”
The graduates surmounted a phenomenal hurdle by earning their degree, noted SDSU-IV Dean Gregorio Ponce. He remarked their university experience was more than studying for exams or writing papers ... the opportunities to study abroad and intern with professionals were all priceless opportunities.
“What made it all worthwhile was all of you are now prepared to change the world,” said Ponce. “Take SDSU’s spirit with you. Offer a lending hand. And when you’re ready to be a mentor, help a young student achieve a dream.”
Carlos Herrera, associate dean and master of ceremonies, poignantly reminded graduates although they are taking a great step forward they did not do it alone.
“You’ve come a long ways but your families nurtured you,” he said. “In celebrating your success let us honor the families who supported you.”
Echoing that thought keynote speaker Maria Ambriz, superintendent of Calexico Unified School District noted what brought most to SDSU-IV, including herself, where she earned two masters degrees, was the push and resources family provides.
“You are awesome and I’m truly humbled to speak before you,” she said. “This school has an outstanding reputation and is second to none. But you can serve as an example to younger students and demonstrate that it’s possible to fulfill one’s dreams. Live a life of preparation, define your own success and forever be driven.”
Associated Student Council President Yareli Rivera confided she was excited after working for four years to reach this moment she is ready to proceed to graduate school.
“Had it not been for the support of faculty, family and friends we would not be here,” she reminded classmates. “We achieved a number of accolades while here but maybe the most important was learning responsibility, trustworthiness and the value of hard work, especially our volunteer efforts to give back to the community. Imagine the affect you’re capable of making upon the world and you’ll impact those around you.”
Associate Student Council Treasurer Hector Teran, who nominated Bret Kofford as most influential faculty member, noted what made Kofford so memorable was his down-to-earth and approachable nature.
“He made learning easy and whatever the subject he tied it to the real world,” he said.
Ellie Holloway, proud mother of graduate Adele Holloway, who earned a summa cum laude in psychology, noted the Imperial Valley University Partnership program was the best thing going in the Valley.
“I have nothing but respect for all the people involved in its organization,” she said.
The class of 2017 had 318 graduates and included 12 summa cum laude, 12 magna cum laude and 22 cum laude honor graduates.