Celebration of success
342 graduate Friday night
A windy spring evening did little to dampen the spirits of the 342 graduates and more than a thousand supporters who gathered at Jamison Stadium Friday for Porterville College’s 90th commencement ceremony.
By the time graduates marched in to the familiar tune of Pomp and Circumstance, the audience had filled the grandstands to capacity and spilled out onto the
the surrounding blacktop. Dozens of spectators lined the fences on the northern and southern ends of the oval track to take in the ceremony.
“Graduates — tonight is for you,” said PC Interim President Bill Henry during his welcoming comments.
He went on to state that while the diverse group of graduates will now pursue many different paths-- from joining the workforce to moving on to a four-year university-none will diminish the significance of their accomplishments at the college.
“Whichever category you fall in, being here has set an example for others. As educators, we believe education is the common goal that brings people together,” he said.
After the welcome, Kathryn Benander, PC’S academic senate vice president, introduced scholar of the year Samuel Underwood, who addressed his fellow graduates.
“Take a look around and look at what you have accomplished. We have succeeded here at Porterville College,” said Underwood. “It’s not the first step, and it’s certainly not the final step, but it’s an important step. We have proven that we belong here as well as any other institute of learning.”
After recognizing honor graduates and members of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Henry and the other PC staff began conferring degrees to the graduates, eliciting a variety of joyous reactions from friends and families in attendance as individual names were called.
After the ceremony concluded graduates were showered with hugs, flowers and gifts, and large groups huddled together around their grad of choice for photo opportunities.
“I’m excited to be done and moving on to the next step,” said Connor Carson, who earned his degree in business administration. Carson will be attending University of South California in the fall, where he will major in accounting with hopes to become a CPA. “My experience at PC has been excellent. The people here really care about your success.”
Celeste Perez, who earned her degree in Social Science, described her PC experience as engaging and studentinvolved.
“Classes are always available and you can get your degree fast,” she said.
Perez wants to move on to Fresno State and get her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and become a family marriage therapist.
She admitted to being nervous about whatever comes next, but intends to follow her passion.
“I like helping people,” she said.
For Daniel Caballero, who earned an associate’s degree of Science for Transfer in Administration of Justice, the occasion had special significance.
“I’m happy to be moving on and continuing my education,” he said. “My parents are really proud because I’m the first college graduate in my family.”
Daniel will be moving on to Fresno State, where he will study History in preparation for a career as a teacher. Many graduates disperse after graduation and take their talents elsewhere, but not Daniel.
“I want to come back to Porterville, teach here in town and coach football,” he said. “Everybody says they want to leave, but I like it here. It’s a nice small town so I wouldn’t want to leave.”
Crystal Garcia also earned an AS-T in Administration of Justice, and is going to Fresno State to pursue a degree in Criminology and a career as a probation officer or forensic scientist.
“The professors here are really helpful. If you’re willing to put in the effort, they’ll be there to guide you,” Garcia said.
Garcia is also the first college graduate in her family, and like many other students she had to weather a storm or two to get to the finish line.
“There were a couple ups and downs, but I focused in and got it done,” she said.
Administration of Justice Professor Tim Brown has been part of many commencements during his 26 years with the college, and enjoys seeing the students achieve their goals.
“It’s a great time for them. They’ve come a long way and we watch them grow as they go through our programs,” said Brown. “It’s great to see them get to this point.”