300 graduates march away from Moorpark College

The Campus Quad was bathed with the afternoon sunlight as well as students, faculty, and guests at Moorpark College's 42nd Commencement today.
  According to campus officials, more than 300 of the 1,230 graduates who earned their degrees this year took part in the graduation ceremonies. Additionally, transfer students were able to walk in this year's commencement for the first time in the college's history.

President Pam Eddinger welcomed the crowd to the ceremony, her first as president. Students earned either an Associate of Arts or Science degree in majors such as general liberal arts and science, business, accounting, biology, nursing, radio/television, criminal justice and wildlife management. Ninety eight students earned 201 certificates in career technical programs such as animal training, business, child development, interior design, nursing and radiologic technology.

"Your final assignment is to say thank you to your parents," said Eddinger. 

A chorus of "thank you’s" then resonated from the students who turned to thank their parents for their support over the years.

Professor Ranford Hopkins, Distinguished Faculty of the Year, offered "meditative thoughts" with a quote from President Barack Obama, urging Americans to contribute to their communities. Hopkins also threw out a world globe beach ball into the crowd at the conclusion of his speech.

Associated Students President Sara Yakhi reminded the graduates that they have been educated at a great college.

"You are no longer a Moorpark College student. You are a product of one of the best educational systems in the USA," said Yahki.  "Without Moorpark College's guidance, we would not have made it this far.”

Laughs were elicited from the crowd as vice chair to the VCCCD Board of Trustees Stephen Blum spoke.

"You are supposed to say something memorable, but no one remembers what you said."

Huber then gave three quotes to the students, one being from Bozo the Clown.

"Always lead them laughing," said Huber.

President Richard Rush of CSU Channel Islands gave five exhortations to students in his Commencement Address. Rush told the students to never stop learning, and to make a difference in their communities, among others.

"To be an American is a call to serve." Rush concluded his speech with a quote from Steve Jobs of Apple Computer.  "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."

Rush enjoyed the commencement and is looking forward to coming back to Moorpark College again.

"The ceremony was wonderful. Moorpark College has a terrific campus spirit," said Rush.

Honors Club President Ian Gordon was among the students waiting in line for the ceremony, clad in cap and gown. Under the shade of the Applied Arts building, Gordon, who is transferring to UCLA, feels one step closer to his educational goals at this milestone.

"I feel one step closer to UCLA and the real world," said Gordon.

Gordon, 20, has two fond memories of his Moorpark College years, his first being finding a parking spot close to campus and getting a B in Calculus M25C.

Jared Carstensen, 22, graduated with a Associate's Degree in Liberal Arts. Carstensen said that he feels a sense of accomplishment by achieving his goals.

"This closes one chapter and opens a new one in my life,” said Carstensen.