Fullerton College Commencement Set For May 28

Fullerton College will celebrate the graduating class of 2016 with plenty of exciting “firsts” for both students, families, and the campus as a whole on Saturday, May 28. The ceremony, which will be held for the first time on the campus’ Sherbeck Field at 10 a.m. will once again honor student achievements, which have led to 2,429 associate degrees awarded for the 2015-2016 school year, many of them to first-generation college students.

“This year’s commencement will be a special one for so many of us,” said President Greg Schulz, who will deliver his first Fullerton College Commencement ceremony since being appointed president earlier this year.

This couldn’t be any truer for first-generation college student and Woman of the Year recipient Kimberly Madrigal, who was selected as one of two student speakers to address the graduating class during the ceremony. Madrigal, who struggled to learn English in grade school, flourished at FC tutoring students as the first supplemental instructor for statistics, and became the first in her family to earn a college degree – two, in fact. On May 28, Madrigal will graduate with an AA degree in Business Administration and an AAT degree in Sociology. She will transfer to Cal State Fullerton in the fall.

The same is true for Associated Students Vice President and Woman of Distinction recipient Justine Banal, who will also share inspirational words during Commencement. As the first in her family to attend college in the U.S., Banal will transfer to UCLA this fall. She concludes her education at FC with an AA in Interdisciplinary Studies and an AAT in Journalism.

“Hearing the personal stories from students like Kimberly and Justine are what make Commencement an exciting and special time for us as educators,” Schulz said. “We’re proud of both of them, and the more than 2,400 other students who’ve come a long way to earn their degree.”

Fullerton College is pleased to welcome Assemblywoman Young Kim of the 65th Assembly District to give the keynote address. The ceremony will also honor the 2016 Teacher of the Year, Biology Professor Dr. Jo Wen Wu and faculty members who are retiring.

Temporary bleachers and a stage will be utilized on Sherbeck Field to accommodate the ceremony.

Nearly 600 students are expected to participate in this year’s ceremony. Gates to the field will open at 9 a.m. Tickets are not required.

The event is rain or shine. Free plastic ponchos will be available in case of rain.

Following the ceremony, Associated Students, Inter-Club Council and Fullerton College will host a reception for graduates and guests in the College Center Courtyard. More details are available at http://commencement.fullcoll.edu