GRADUATION SCRIPT 2015 - FINAL
Thursday, May 28 at 5:30 p.m. in Central Quad
Processional
(The Platform Party enters into the Graduation area followed by the faculty and graduates.
Everyone remains standing. The roped off area is for faculty and graduates. Guests are to remain
outside this area.)
(Wes)
Good evening, you may be seated.
I would like to welcome you to tonight’s Golden West College
Commencement Ceremony. Before we get started I request that the
audience leave the center isle open for the Color Guard, platform
party, faculty, and graduates during the entire ceremony. Please no
guests, photographers, wheel chairs or baby strollers in the center
aisle.
Presentation of Flags
(The Color Guard Unit will enter into the Graduation area from the south side coming up the center
aisle.)
(Wes)
I would like to ask the audience to please stand.
Color Guard Advance.
(College President must advance Color Guard for them to move up the aisle. While the Color
Guard is moving up the aisle CD march style music will be playing in background. Wes will not be
talking over the music. Once Color Guard is in place, music fades and stops.)
(College President starts script once Color Guard is set and facing the audience.)
All gentlemen please, remove your hats or mortar boards in respect
for our flag and hold them in your right hand.
At this time I would like to introduce the 2014-2015 Associated
Student Body President, Ivan de Jesus Hermosillo, who will lead us
in the Pledge of Allegiance.
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(Audience, Platform Party, Faculty and Graduates)
(Standing for Pledge and remain standing for Star Spangled Banner followed by Color Guard
dismissal.)
(Ivan)
In a salute to our great nation, please place your right hand over your
heart and remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance, Star
Spangled Banner, and the dismissal of the Color Guard.
Ready. Begin.
"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and
to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all."
(Ivan gives direction to audience for salute to flag and leads pledge. When completed he will
step back with the platform party and stand.)
(Joseph and Saffron will be standing on the asphalt east side of the stage at a standing
microphone to sing the National Anthem with accompaniment – piano and double base.)
(Joseph Perkins and Saffron Brauer) SING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
(When completed they will exit after dismissal of Color Guard.)
(Audience)
(Stands for Pledge and stays standing for National Anthem.)
(Wes)
(Wes returns to podium and immediately dismisses Color Guard. Wes waits for Color Guard to
leave graduation area and audience standing before starting script. Color Guard walks down the
center isle and exits graduation area.) – 2 minutes
Color Guard Dismissed.
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(Begin Welcome Remarks for Graduation 2015.)
(Wes)
Welcome. Graduates and guests, you may be seated now.
Thank you Joseph Perkins and Saffron Brauer for that wonderful
vocal duet presentation. Accompanying these fine students this
evening on the double brass is Dr. Bruce Bales Professor of Music
and on piano is Janice Massett.
(Everyone takes a seat.)
(Wes)
We thank the Criminal Justice Training Center, Color Guard from the
RBC Class 150 for presenting the flags this evening.
My name is Wes Bryan and I have the honor of being the 7th College
President for this great institution. What a privilege it is to welcome
you as our special guests to this, the 48TH annual Golden West
College Commencement Ceremony. Two years away from our 50th
and we are counting.
Today, We are here to salute our graduating students and to
recognize the Golden West faculty and staff for their efforts in
contributing to the success of the students we honor tonight. For 48
years Golden West College has been holding graduation ceremonies
to honor our graduates. We have had a rich tradition, and it
continues tonight as we recognize our graduates for their
accomplishments.
Please give them a round of applause.
(Applause.)
I would now like to invite all student Veteran’s and other Veteran’s in
the audience and on the Platform to please stand.
It is with great pride that Golden West College recognizes all the
men and women in this graduating class and our community that
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have served in the military. Let’s give them a round of applause for
their contribution to keeping America free.
(Applause.)
Ladies and gentlemen you may be seated.
(Veteran’s sit down)
Golden West College has an outstanding Veteran’s Resource
Center, a place where our veterans come to share experiences, feel
at home and where we provide additional resources to help them be
more successful students.
This year the Veterans had their first End of the Year Recognition in
which they celebrated those who are our Veteran Scholars (3.0 and
above), Veteran Scholarship Recipients and Veterans Student
Organization Leaders. During the event they honored GWC Veteran
Graduates with Military Honor Cords that are Red, White, and Blue.
These cords are proudly being worn this evening during the GWC
Graduation Ceremony.
(Applause from audience.) (Pause.)
Along with the American flag flying during Graduation,
I would like to call your attention to the other flags that surround us.
These flags represent some of the countries of our international
students. We are especially pleased this year that 26 of our
international students are receiving the Associate of Arts or Science
Degree, and 3 are receiving their Vocational Certificates of
Achievement. These students are representing 11 countries (Algeria,
Philippines, Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Portugal, Germany,
Sweden, China, Columbia and Brazil). These students are our
informal ambassadors. Classroom discussions have been enriched
because of the cultural perspectives they have shared with us. We
hope when they return home, they will have positive stories to share
about their time with our Golden West family.
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Tonight you should be proud to be graduating from a California
Community College. Many of us believe that the community college
is America’s great contribution to the idea of higher education
because our core value to offer higher educational opportunities to
all citizens. California has the largest community college system in
the world with more than 112 colleges serving 2.1 million students.
We train California’s work force: police officers, nurses, technicians
for automotive, audio, video, computing, interpreting for the hearing
impaired, entertainment and the list goes on.
We prepare more students for transfer than the California University
system can accommodate. This week when thousands of students
graduate from one of our fine California State Universities receiving
their Bachelors of Arts or Science degrees and Science degrees
remember 54% of them started at a California Community College,
and about 1/3 of the students who graduate this spring from UC also
started at a California Community College – many of the students
crossing this stage tonight are on their way to these fine Univeristies.
We are very proud of the number of students who will be receiving
their Associate of Arts or Science Degree and Certificate of
Achievement.
As they say on NPR – here is the report By the Numbers  This year we will be recognizing 1210 students receiving the
Associate of Arts or Science degree, which includes the
Summer 2014, Fall 2014 and Spring 2015 Semesters.
 There are 26 occupational areas in which our students may
receive Certificates of Achievement.
 18 of those areas are being represented this evening.
 1179 students will be receiving their certificates.
 The total number of degree and certificate recipients is 2389.
Not all recipients are able to attend this evening’s ceremony.
 77 of the Student Athletes had higher than a 3.0 GPA.
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Championships Men’s Water Polo State Champions and Orange Empire
Champions
 Men’s Swimming 3rd Consecutive State Champions and
Orange Empire Champions
 Baseball Orange Empire Champions
 Women’s Sand Volleyball- Orange Empire Division Champions
 Men’s Soccer Orange Empire Champions
 There are 271 students graduating with honors having earned a
3.5 grade point average or higher and 14 graduates with a
perfect 4.0.
I would like to have the 4.0 students stand and remain standing as I
call out their names to be recognized and honored.
Dana Chouillou
Huan Dai
Hannah Foster
Tabitha Grayston
Caitlin Gustaff
Madison Martin
Richard Naitmazi
Truc Ngo
Anh Nguyen
Linh Nguyen
Hannah Pham
Arthur Plett
Thuy Thai
and Dai Vo.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments. You may be seated.
(Applause. 4.0 Students sit down again.)
(Wes)
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(Wes reads about robe descriptions.)
You may have noticed that the graduates are wearing different
colored robes, cords and stoles.
1. Graduates receiving the Associate in Arts or Science degree
are wearing green.
2. Gold gowns are being worn by students receiving the
Certificate of Achievement.
3. Graduates from our nursing program are wearing white.
4. Students wearing a gold cord are graduating with honors.
5. Finally, there are those wearing the gold stole who
are members of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society.
Tonight you will see students wearing various colored stoles
representing the areas that they have received support, or programs
they have been involved in while attending Golden West College;
such as Puente Program and Extended Opportunity Programs and
Services (EOP/S).
Outside of tonight’s Graduation there have been two other
ceremonies recognizing students. In Nursing pinning ceremonies,
88 students received diplomas this year, and in our two Police
Academy ceremonies, 109 students graduated.
While we are here tonight to honor our graduates, please take a
moment to look at the Scholarships and Awards section in the
program. We are extremely proud of the fact that Golden West
College has awarded over $7.8 million dollars in scholarships to our
students and $8.6 million dollars in program support through the
Golden West College and Foundation since 1966.
There are students who will cross the platform tonight because of the
assistance and support provided by scholarships as well as State
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and Federal awards. Making education affordable is a worthy goal.
It is how we prepare a competitive workforce and an educated
populace.
At this time it is my pleasure to introduce the members of the
Platform Party.
Members of the Coast Community College District Board of
Trustees with us this evening are:
Dr. Lorraine Prinsky, President of the Board
Mr. David Grant, Vice President of the Board
Mrs. Mary Hornbuckle, Clerk of the Board
Mr. Jim Moreno, Trustee and
Mr. Alex Parkin, Student Trustee
Representatives from the Coast Community College District
include:
Dr. Richard Jones, Chancellor
Mr. Andrew Dunn, Vice Chancellor, Administrative Services and
Finance,
Dr. Cindy Vyskocil, Vice Chancellor of Human Resources,
and
Dr. Andreea M. Serban, Vice Chancellor, Educational Services
and Technology
Golden West College representatives include:
Mrs. Janet Houlihan, Vice President of Student Life and
Administrative Services
Dr. Omid Pourzanjai, Vice President of Instruction and Student
Learning
Mrs. Martie Ramm Engle, Academic Senate President and
Professor of Theater Arts
Dr. Nikki Plaster, Assistant Professor of Biology and 2015 Golden
West College Teacher of the Year
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Mr. Ivan de Jesus Hermosillo, 2014-2015 Associated Student Body
President
Mr. Derrick Watkins, Criminal Justice Training Instructor
Miss Lizbett Rodriguez, this year’s recipient of the R. Dudley Boyce
Outstanding Student Award,
and Mr. Michael Dodd our guest speaker and Golden West College
Alumnus.
(Wes)
(Introduction of R. Dudley Boyce Award.)
I now invite Mr. Derrick Watkins to the podium to introduce this
year’s R. Dudley Boyce Outstanding Student of the Year for 2015.
(Derrick Watkins)
Good evening Graduates, Faculty, Administration and Families. My name
is Derrick Watkins and I am a Professor in Criminal Justice here at Golden
West College. I have the privilege of introducing the R. Dudley Boyce
Outstanding Student for the Class of 2015.
I purposely began my day at 4:00 o’clock this morning. As I did so, I
prepared for my day. I am tired now. This year’s award recipient has
been awaking everyday of her College career to board a bus and ride
through four cities to arrive here at campus. She took her classes and
was an overwhelming presence in volunteer activities. Exhausted many
times, she volunteered when no one else would, unselfishly giving of
herself for the betterment of her campus community.
As chair of the ICC meetings, Lizbett, or “Liz” as she is known to GWC,
has a daunting task of managing a meeting of 29 club reps. She is also
actively involved in many of those clubs. She is a strong advocate for our
Military Veterans here on campus as well as all of our students.
Lizbett Rodriguez came to GWC as a timid and shy College Freshman.
She has become a strong and independent College Graduate.
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I was able to have Liz in five different Criminal Justice courses. That’s
right – five. Now here she is as the student of the year, way to overcome
my teaching Liz!
In Criminal Justice we have a few core values. The first is that it really is
not hard to be great, there are not many decisions that need to be made,
just do the right thing and work hard. In our program we value Six Pillars
of Character. Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring
and Citizenship.
Like a blinding sun, these values emanate from Liz. It is said that integrity
is what we do when no one is looking or at least, we perceive that to be
the case. I have seen Liz on campus when she thought no one was
looking and she was shining just as bright then as she is now.
Liz wants to become a Social Worker within a police department and help
children. I certainly cannot think of a better guiding light than Liz.
Liz, thank you for everything that you have inspired me to do and good
luck!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Lizbett Rodriguez, the 2015 R. Dudley Boyce
Outstanding Student!
Recipient’s Response
(R. Dudley Boyce Recipient, Lizbett Rodriguez)
Good Evening,
As I look to each of you men and women in your cap and gown, I know
each of you has a story; some have been through struggles and
obstacles, but yet made you stronger in your path to success and some
might have been through a smooth journey, but yet made you confident in
your path to success.
Nonetheless, we are one step closer to accomplishing our career goal.
Today, I stand before you by the grace of God. I give God the glory for my
success; I am where I am and am who I am because of Him. Dad, Mom,
Kiara, Nixie, and Eirin we did it…I thank you for never giving up on me, I
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love you. Colleagues and friends I also thank you for the never ending
support and love. I love you too.
As I was writing this speech, I saw the need to tell you men and women
that you are important, that you are precious, that you are valuable, and
that you are loved. As you walk through life always remember you are a
precious creation. Your life matters and your life has a purpose; we can
be a generation that cares and can make a positive change in this world
of darkness.
Golden West College has seen me blossom as a leader, but most
importantly as an individual. I am forever grateful with Golden West
College because it was the first place that received me as I was without
hope for my education due to my residency status. Throughout my
journey here, I learned to trust that nothing or no one could ever stop me
from accomplishing my dream. When I had the opportunity to join and
serve campus clubs, student government, and my community I knew I
wanted to make a tangible difference and leave a mark behind. I always
had this thought in my mind, for where my treasure is, there will my heart
be also.
I want to share and leave you with this…”He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will
renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and
not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
I encourage you to fight the good fight…keep pursing your dreams,
you are capable of anything, when you fall stand up and start over.
Be a fighter.
Congratulations on your success
God Bless you and keep you.
Thank you.
Introduction of Guest Speaker Michael Dodd
(Wes Bryan)
(Wes will give a brief introduction of the guest speaker. 2 minutes.)
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One of the pleasures I have as your college president is to select your
graduation speaker. Let me tell you what I look for in a graduation
speaker. First I look for an Alumnus – someone who sat where you sat,
took classes like you have taken, where the opportunity to go to college
changed their life – because they had the kind of dedicated teacher’s that
you have had, participated in student life, maybe in student government,
or a club, or on an athletic team, or were in a school production. All of that
together helped them understand that knowledge is not the end goal –
EDUCATION teaches us about the value and responsibility for service.
Service to our families, our profession, and our community. Education is a
pay it forward deal – what we get here we have to pay for it forward to
someone else – it is a gift we get to give away.And so I look for a
graduate that has given back to their profession, and their community.
Michael Dodd graduated from GWC where he played two sports –
Football and Baseball and was named Rustler of the year in 1973 after
receiving All Conference and All State as a catcher – he went on to play
pro-ball for time, before graduating from CSULB – GO BEACH, with a BA
in English along with his secondary teaching credential. Your program will
give you the details on why he is considered and respected as one of
Orange Counties most successful coaches. During his tenure he has
given back to thousands of student athletes, making a difference in their
lives – giving back, being of service.
It is my honor to welcome him as our 48th graduation speaker, and to
thank him for making a difference in so many students’ lives, and for the
contribution he has made as a teacher and coach in our local high
schools. He is a model Rustler.
Commencement Address
(Michael Dodd)
Thank you for inviting me....
Thank you to President Bryan, The Foundation, Esteemed Trustees,
Executive Admins, Guests and GRADUATES,,,
One last Homework assignments for all Grads.... Think of someone on
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this campus– a teacher, faculty member, adminstrator... anyone that has
helped you become more KNOWLEDGEABLE< KINDER..NICER<
TOLERATE< CONFIDENT<MATURE
I am asking all graduates to give these people a
"ROUND OF APPLAUSE "
Im asking faculty to not forget how their influence has impacted the grads"
life....
Several past member who influenced me are..... FRED HOOVER,
FOOTBALL COACH SHACKLEFORD, GENE FERRELL COACH DON
ROWE....
I am talking about my life at GWC.... Best two years of my life.... etc..
The world has changed.....
We all have a calling...
My Advice for a simple future...
Applause)
(Michael Dodd will take his seat after applause. Wes thanks the speaker.)
(Wes Bryan)
Thank you Michael. What a great reminder that tonight marks both
the achievement of one goal, and the beginning of new ones.
This class of 2015 is ready to set sail, and you have reminded us
that it will be an adventure. Thank you again Michael for your
inspiring thoughts.
Presentation of the Honorary Degree
(Wes Bryan)
Next I would like to invite…
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Dr. Lorraine Prinsky, Board President to please come forward for the
presentation of the class.
(Dr. Lorraine Prinsky)
(Dr. Lorraine Prinsky comes to podium for Presentation of Honorary Degree.)
On behalf of the Coast Community College District Board of
Trustees, I accept the 48th graduating class of 2015. The students
before you have satisfactorily completed all requirements for the
Associate of Arts or Science degree or Certificate of Achievement
and are eligible to receive their diplomas and certificates.
May they continue their pursuit of personal achievements and
strengthen their commitments to our society.
(Wes)
This is the moment you and your families have been waiting for.
Would the graduates please come forward and accept their degrees
and certificates.
(ASGWC Student Marshals direct graduates to form a line to receive diplomas.)
(Readers of names get into place next to microphone, east side of stage.)
Reading of Names – See Commencement Program
(Janet Houlihan and Omid Pourzanjani)
(Omid and Janet read from the microphones the names of students. Microphone located on the
east side of platform, ground level. Graduation volunteers will assist with graduate cards.)
Handing Out Diploma Holders
(Martie Ramm Engle and Nikki Plaster)
(Handing out the diploma holders to students.)
(Wes)
(Pictures taken with students as they pass by on stage.)
Closing Remarks
(Wes)
(College President returns to podium for closing.) (Please do not have Graduates through their
caps.)
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And now Graduates, the time you have been waiting for…the turning
of the tassel from the right side to the left side.
Congratulations on all your accomplishments.
This will conclude our 2015 Commencement ceremony.
At this time we ask that the audience remain seated during the
recessional until the last graduate has exited the graduation area,
and that you please keep the center aisle clear so that the Platform
Party, Faculty and Graduates may exit.
Reception
(Wes Bryan)
Immediately following the conclusion of this ceremony, we invite you
to join us for the reception hosted by the Associated Students on the
south end of the Central Quad. Please enjoy this opportunity to
mingle with faculty, staff, family and friends.
Thank you for attending and being part this evening’s celebration.
Let’s have another round of applause to the Graduates and their
families for their support.
5/26/15 – Wes/vv-jw
77 of the Student Athletes had higher than a 3.0 GPA.
ChampionshipsMen’s Water Polo CCCAA State Champions and Orange Empire Champions
Men’s Swimming 3rd Consecutive CCCAA State Champions and Orange Empire Champions
Baseball Orange Empire Champions
Women’s Sand Volleyball- Orange Empire Division Champions
Men’s Soccer Orange Empire Champions
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