The 84th graduating class of Gavilan College will participate
Friday in a commencement ceremony, where 389 degrees and
certificates will be awarded. (Some students will be earning more
than one degree or certificate).
The 84th graduating class of Gavilan College will participate Friday in a commencement ceremony, where 389 degrees and certificates will be awarded. (Some students will be earning more than one degree or certificate).
Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro, who attended Gavilan College, will deliver the keynote address. An honorary degree will be presented to State Sen. Bruce McPherson, R-Santa Cruz. College President Steve Kinsella will highlight the accomplishments of several noteworthy students during his remarks.
Those on hand will be led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Domingo Payne, the incoming president of the Associated Student Body. Gavilan College student Miriam Silvas will sing the national anthem. Outgoing Associated Student Body president Simon Cooke will speak briefly before the keynote speaker is introduced.
Following the keynote speech, awards will be presented: Faculty Scholarships, induction of life members to the honor society, presentation of honorary degree, the Outstanding Scholar Award and the conferring of degrees and certificates.
The Associated Student Body will host a reception in the student center directly following the ceremony.
McPherson has been selected for an honorary degree due to his active promotion of and participation in Gavilan College events, and his long career in support of education. He is currently chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee, vice-chairman of the Senate Education Committee, and a member of the Environmental Quality Committee and two Budget Subcommittees. He is also chairman of the Subcommittee on Criminal Procedure.
He has been a long-time advocate of public education and has played a leading role in shaping new policy in such areas as class-size reduction, updating core curriculum, establishing graduation standards, providing more money for textbooks and passing $3 billion and $9 billion state school bonds.
McPherson and his wife, Mary, established endowments to create a dropout prevention program and to enhance the athletic programs for students in the Santa Cruz City School District. He also spearheaded the creation of a literacy program in Santa Cruz County when he was president of the Santa Cruz Rotary Club.
The ceremony, which will be held in the gym, is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. on the main campus, 5055 Santa Teresa Blvd., Gilroy.
