Moorpark College held its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2024 at a nearly packed Griffin Stadium on May 17. Students walking the stage on Friday received one or more associate degrees and were welcomed by commencement addresses from several administrative and campus leadership officials.
Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu opened the ceremony by acknowledging the guests on stage. The program’s honorees included Ventura County Community College District officials, Moorpark College administrators and distinguished faculty members. Sokenu then recognized the program’s graduates.
“Our student body is a living, breathing collage of different backgrounds, dreams and aspirations …” Sokenu said. “Among our graduates are students from every walk of life. Today, we have the privilege of honoring a total of 2,450 amazing students that make up our Class of 2024.”
According to Sokenu, this year’s graduating class included 25 veterans, 33 Dreamers and 25 dual-enrolled students. One of those dual-enrolled students is 10-year-old Dev Saravanan, who earned five associate degrees from Moorpark College and later received a lengthy round of applause from colleagues and spectators upon receiving his diploma on stage. Sokenu singled out Saravanan for his uniquely distinguished accomplishments but also called attention to the qualities and attributes that unite the graduating class.
“No matter where you come from, or who you are, you made your home here at Moorpark College, drawn together by a common purpose — the quest for knowledge, for personal development and for the opportunity to better yourself in your communities,” Sokenu said. “And within this home, you found more than just education. You found family, you found community and connection.”
Following Sokenu’s address, VCCCD Chancellor Rick MacLennan and Trustee Bernardo Perez delivered speeches. Perez acknowledged the successful and ongoing efforts made by the college to offer bachelor degree programs in biomanufacturing, cybersecurity and nursing. Perez also praised the college’s standing in 2023 as one of the top ten community colleges in the nation.
“Be proud that you are a product of the largest and most diverse community college system in the nation,” Perez said. “Be proud that you are a graduate of the community colleges of Ventura County and be proud that you are a Moorpark College Raider.”
Associated Students of Moorpark College President Sean Rosskopf also addressed the graduating class. In his speech, Rosskopf recognized three terms as being indicative of the student body.
“I know they say a picture’s worth 1000 words, but I believe that these three words — tenacity, empathy and curiosity — are worth 1000 pictures,” Rosskopf said. “I think I speak for all of us here when I say that any single image would never be able to capture the spirit of the countless friends and allies within our community that epitomize these words. To my classmates, know that the world sees and values that tenacity, empathy and curiosity within you.”
Rosskopf, who is transferring to UCLA in the fall, encouraged his fellow graduates to embrace the college’s community as family as they also embark on the next chapter of their lives.
“I hope they remember that they have a family of peers and that the doors are always open and it’s never too late as well to come back and keep learning,” Rosskopf said.
Following Rosskopf’s remarks, the graduating class graced the stage one by one, accepting their degrees and earning well-deserved praise from the roaring crowd. After all the students were acknowledged, Sokenu congratulated the graduating class for a final time, inviting them to turn their tassels from right to left.
After the ceremony concluded, graduates reunited with their loved ones outside the stadium, expressing sentiments of appreciation and taking photos in the many photo booths available.
Accompanied by her family at the ceremony, Moorpark College student Olivia Erman graduated with an associate degree in psychology. Upon achieving this milestone, she reflected on how Moorpark College fostered her educational growth.
“I’ve met some great professors who really helped guide and push me to be better in my studies and helped set me up to be successful,” Erman shared. “I’ve already been able to make advances towards my career because of Moorpark College.”
After two years at Moorpark College, Erman will be transferring to CSUN in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Despite the many hurdles higher education students face, Erman offered words of encouragement for future Raiders hoping to earn their degrees.
“Transitioning to college can be really scary at first, but try to make connections with other students and faculty,” Erman said. “Being able to get advice from experienced students and professors really helped me.”
Whether transferring to a four-year university to continue pursuing higher-level education or stepping into the workforce, the resilience exhibited in all members of Moorpark College’s Class of 2024 promises a bright future.
