West Hills College marks record-breaking year at Coalinga, Lemoore campuses
West Hills College-Lemoore awarded a record number of degrees at its annual commencement ceremony.
An estimated 838 degrees and certificates were awarded Thursday, May 21 to 642 students. About 100 students received multiple degrees. Over 300 students attended the ceremony, with graduates ranging in ages from 17 to 65, including six high school seniors completing their associates’ degrees before their high school graduation ceremonies.
West Hills-Lemoore President Don Warkentin thanked priority registration and the Student Services team for the record-breaking year for the college. It marked the last commencement ceremony for Warkentin, who has been at the college since 2004.
Edna Ivans, Nick Ivans and Gary Sedgwick were honored during the commencement. All three had previously been awarded the Spirit of the Eagle Award, which recognizes service and dedication to the school. Nick Ivans and Sedgwick were honored posthumously. (The original version of this story incorrectly included Edna Ivans among those receiving posthumous awards. It also incorrectly reported that the three honorees are former students at the school.)
West Hills-Coalinga
West Hills College in Coalinga credited its Commitment to Complete Initiative for a record number of degrees awarded at its commencement ceremony, held Friday, May 22 on campus.
Speakers included WHCC Alumnus of the Year Ray Hodges and 48-year Board of Trustees member Edna Ivans, who spoke on community service and engagement.
Over 260 certificates of achievement and 400 Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees were awarded, setting new records. WHCC President Carole Goldsmith thanked both students and the new initiative: “The numbers speak for themselves,” she told the students. “The numbers reflect your dedication to your goals, your commitment to complete and our commitment to you.”
Megan Ginise: (559) 441-6614
This story was originally published May 25, 2015 at 1:20 PM with the headline "West Hills College marks record-breaking year at Coalinga, Lemoore campuses."