Butte College Hosts 48th Annual Commencement Ceremony Set for May 26

Other Graduations Planned:

May 24:
Paramedic Graduation Ceremony, 4–6 p.m., Butte College Black Box Theater in Arts Building, 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville.

May 25:
Registered Nursing Pinning Ceremony, 4–5 p.m., Paradise Performing Arts Center, 777 Nunneley Road, Paradise
Automotive Technology Graduation, 5–7 p.m., Butte College Skyway Center, 2480 Notre Dame Blvd, Chico

May 26:
Firefighter 1 Class 67 Graduation, noon–4 p.m., Center for the Arts, Pleasant Valley High School, 1475 East Avenue, Chico
Respiratory Therapy Graduation Ceremony, 3–4 p.m., Paradise Performing Arts Center, 777 Nunneley Road, Paradise

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Butte College will mark its 48th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 26 at 7 p.m., at the John Cowan Sports Complex, 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville. A total of 1,275 degrees are scheduled to be conferred.

Butte College President Dr. Samia Yaqub along with the Butte-Glenn Community College District Board of Trustees will preside. The event is expected to draw thousands of attendees including faculty, staff, administrators, family and friends, who will come together to celebrate the significant milestone.

The ceremony will include participation from a number of graduates, including a student commencement speaker, student vocalist and two students who will serve as gonfalon marshalls.  

The 2017 student commencement speaker is Julissa Quintero-Leal, 21, Chico, who will receive an Associate in Arts degree in Psychology. Quintero-Leal will attend California State University, Chico this fall. She encourages those who are considering attending college to try, despite any reservations.

In the following excerpt from Quintero-Leal’s commencement speech, she focuses on the importance of a college education.

 “Neither of my parents received the same educational opportunities I did. Being a first generation college student, I never got the meaning of college, what a degree was, or even the value behind it. My parents always made sure we went to school, and Mom always encouraged us to keep furthering our education. Witnessing my parents working hard for long hours made me understand why I should strive for a better life. Although I’m learning as I go, I’ve definitely realized the importance of getting an education and how many doors, with better opportunities, it can open.”

Commencement vocalist Andrea Louise Gilsdorf-Morgan, Richvale, will perform the National Anthem. Gilsdorf-Morgan will receive her Associate in Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and currently attends Dordt College in Sioux Center, Iowa where she is studying for her Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, with a minor in Agriculture.

Two students, both with 4.0 grade point averages, were selected as this year’s gonfalon marshalls. Aldo Garcia (Associate in Science, Accounting) and Tessy Slaton (Associate in Science, Office Administration), will carry the Butte College banners during opening ceremonies.

A number of related individuals will receive degrees at the ceremony, including mother and son: Lisa Rashawn Bennett and Zachary Bennett.   Zachary Bennett is a Fall, 2016 Graduate receiving an Associate in Science degree in Fire Technology. Lisa Rashawn Bennett, 49, will receive three degrees during the ceremony, including an Associate in Arts degree in Social & Behavioral Science, and two Associate in Science degrees, one in Child Development and the other in Early Childhood Education.

Both family members overcame perceived obstacles to achieve their college dreams. Zachary Bennett was diagnosed with autism as a child, and his parents were told he would likely never graduate. Zachary was a fighter and proved the doctors wrong, ultimately graduating at the top of his high school class. A stay-at-home mother, Lisa Rashawn initially returned to school as support for her son. But she soon realized how many others were returning to school to pursue their education, and she fell in love with going to college.

2017 graduates span a wide array of ages, ranging from 16-72. Maya Carleton, 17, will receive her Associates Degree for Transfer in Psychology, and plans to attend UC San Diego this fall where she will study Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. Ultimately, she plans to obtain a Ph.D in Neuroscience.

“I recommend community college—especially Butte College—to everyone,” Carleton said. “Butte has a real ‘University’ feel, and it’s a great stepping stone for anyone looking to further his or her education at a State College or University.”

Six graduates are over aged 60 or older, and two graduates are over the age of 70. Darlene Fergus, 69, will graduate with two Associate in Science degrees, one in real estate and the other in small business management.

Fergus said she attended college right out of high school, and then entered the workforce.

“I attended Butte College off and on for years,” Fergus said.  “I’ve always wanted to get my degree.” She said she re-entered Butte College several years ago to encourage her daughter, who was also interested in attending. “Follow your dreams,” she said. “It’s better to do it now, rather than never.”

For more information about Butte College or the 48th Annual Commencement Ceremony, visit qcsz.abadiadetortoreos.com.