The end marks a new beginning for graduates
By Brent WhitingEditor-at-Large, The VOICE
Marian Mariņo, an international student from Venezuela, is getting ready to don a cap and gown, along with a triumphant smile.
She is one of the hundreds of students at Glendale Community College (GCC) who are scheduled to graduate on May 15 during an evening ceremony on the central mall of the main campus, marking the school's 44th commencement.
Mariņo, 25, a business major who works in the international office on campus, will receive an associate of arts degree after three years of studying at GCC.
"Oh, it feels great," Mariņo said. "I've finally finished my studies here. It has been a really good experience. I've met a lot of great people here."
Mariņo, like fellow graduates, is focusing on future plans. She hopes to receive some advance business training then transfer to a four-year university, possibility Arizona State University (ASU) or Northern Arizona University (NAU).
A year ago, approximately 2,200 GCC students earned degrees or education certificates, but the final number for the May 15 commencement has yet to be tabulated, said Patricia Rhodes Vogel, director of institutional advancement at GCC.
"Students are completing courses and continuing to petition to graduate," Vogel said. "Some students receive multiple degrees or certificates."
On May 14, there will be a separate graduation ceremony in the Student Union to honor 23 students who have earned four-year Bachelor of Science degrees in a program at GCC that is sponsored with NAU.
Under the so-called two-plus-two program, students complete two years of junior-college studies at GCC and then, without leaving campus, attend two years of upper division classes that are offered by NAU.
Currently, degrees are available in speech communications and elementary education.
Jim Reed, chairman of the Communication Department at GCC, will be the keynote speaker at the May 14 graduation.
Please send comments to jessbrentwhiting@cox.net
