Over 400 graduates took part in the commencement ceremony at Moorpark College on May 18.

Associated Students president Payton Robinson took to the podium after several sincere speeches from faculty and administrators to address the crowd of his peers.

“Some people call it graduation, some call it commencement but I’m sure all the family members who came to this ceremony are calling it a miracle,” said Robinson. “After graduating high school, raising a family, or finding a passion for higher education, we all made a commitment to attend Moorpark College. Today marks the culmination of the many months we have spent together.”

The ceremony brought together several hundred students, family members and friends to the quad area of the campus. The graduates and attendees listened to speeches from college president Luis Sanchez, distinguished faculty and the district board of trustees. The class of 2018 consisted of 2,104 members. Of those members, 153 graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and 979 graduated with a grade point average between 3.5 to 3.9. The ceremony offered a moment of reflection and celebration for the graduates. Just over 34 percent graduated with honors, according to Sanchez.  

Academic Senate president Nenagh Brown spoke to the student first philosophy of the faculty and how they strove to realize the goals of the graduation class.

“We are trying to help you make your dreams come true whether it is in a classroom with your scan-tron, whether it’s in a lab, whether it’s in a performing arts center, whether it’s in a gym or whether it’s in a counseling center,” said Brown. “We are here to help you make your dreams come true. Tonight one of your dreams has come true.”

The district chancellor Greg Gillespie commended the graduates for their achievement. About 7,000 students across the district graduated this year, according to Gillespie. He called on graduates to recognize the support they received during their studies.

“Education creates opportunity,” said Gillespie. “You were helped by many others to reach this achievement – family, friends, faculty and staff. As you continue on to careers and further education, reach out and help others develop their potential and create opportunity through education, skills training and service.”

Later, Sanchez addressed the crowd again to note the inclusive and supportive philosophy that is particular to this community college campus.

“Unlike some universities that will tell you look to your left, look to your right and see who will fail out of college, we say look to your left, look to your right and reach out to both sides so you can help them along the way to success,” said Sanchez.