May 14, 2003
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494
Bilingual Celebration to Follow Graduation Ceremony
Immediately following the graduation ceremony at College of the Canyons on May 23, nearly two dozen Hispanic graduates and their families will gather in the college’s Cougar Den for a unique celebration of the graduates’ successes. However, unlike other graduation celebrations that take place in private homes or restaurants, these students will publicly thank their families for the support, understanding and assistance they provided during their time at the college.
“The whole point of this celebration is to underline the importance of family support in education and to put forth the message that you can be successful," said Christopher Villa, associate dean of student services. "Many of the attendees are the first in their families to complete a college degree, and they are important role models for the Hispanic community."
The ceremony, conducted in both Spanish and English, “is a very emotional time for the graduates and their families. It is very touching to see heartfelt emotion and real appreciation by students who know their families have sacrificed a great deal in order to provide them a good education,” Villa said.
Now in its second year, the event is funded in part by Wells Fargo Bank. A carne asada dinner preceding the event is made possible by food donations from Vallarta supermarket in Sylmar. A band will provide Spanish/Latin music during the celebration, which runs from 8 to 11 p.m.
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