On the Moorpark College Quad, degree-eligible students celebrated their achievements amongst their peers during Moorpark College’s 2019 Commencement Ceremony on Friday.
Over 2,000 students were eligible to graduate this year. Over 500 students decided to participate in this year’s graduation.
The 52nd Commencement began with the procession of candidates for graduation walking through the “cheer tunnel” as student activity specialist Kristen Robinson likes to call it.
“It’s our faculty, staff and administration high-fiving and congratulating them [graduates],” Robinson said. “Trying to make them feel appreciated and special because it’s no easy endeavor [to graduate] so we really want them to take this moment to celebrate.”
The national anthem followed after all the students and ceremony participants arrived at their seats.
Acting college president Julius Sokenu then led the 2019 Commencement by beginning with his welcome speech to the guests in attendance and introducing the Board of Trustees.
Three other ceremony participants gave congratulations speeches before the Associated Students president Andrew Lopez addressed the students.
Professor Nathan Bowen and library assistant Gilbert Downs led the graduate roll call to allow the students to hear their names called as they walked across the graduation stage.
One of the students who walked in this year’s graduation ceremony included communications student Morgan Braverman. Braverman is proud of herself after all the hard work she put in to attain her degree. She is set to transfer to Chico State University in the fall.
“I feel super-accomplished because it took a lot of hard work,” Braverman said. “I’m ready to move on [to Chico State].”
Sokenu finished this year’s commencement ceremony by presenting the 2019 graduating class to all of those in attendance as upbeat music began to play to get everyone in the joyful mood.
“It is an awesome celebration of all the successes of our students,” Sokenu said. “I am very grateful to have the opportunity to work with these people for however many years they were here.”
Finally, the commencement had finished and the graduates were able to go celebrate with their loved ones in attendance.
College students work tirelessly toward their degree. Therefore, graduating isn’t an achievement that should be taken lightly. It is a huge milestone in a student’s journey as they’re recognized for successfully completing a set of curriculum.
President Sokenu had some final words of wisdom for the Class of 2019.
“Live your best life, give back to others and remember Moorpark College,” Sokenu said.
