SVC Commencement at San Juan Center

SVC’s San Juan Center – Contributed photo

Surrounded by tall evergreens, ferns, and other natural landscaping, Skagit Valley College held commencement exercises on June 17 at SVC’s San Juan Center in Friday Harbor.

After a welcome to the graduates, family members, friends, and audience guests in attendance, SVC President Dr. Tom Keegan delivered his Presidential Address. He then introduced each of the graduates:

• Chéri Doane-Ledford** (Gig Harbor) Associate in Arts – General Studies
• Barbara Everson** (Bellingham) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Denise Ireland** (Friday Harbor) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Thomas Irwin* (Friday Harbor) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Ashley Strutz** (Friday Harbor) High School Diploma and Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer
• Lawrence Richard Uri III*** (Friday Harbor) Associate in Technical Arts Degree – Human Services Chemical Dependency Professional
• Nadine Varsovia (Friday Harbor) Associate in Arts – University and College Transfer

* Honors;   ** High Honors;  *** President’s Medal recipient

Class speakers Lawrence Richard Uri III and Denise Ireland – Contributed photos

The conferring of diplomas was conducted by SVC President Keegan and Dr. Mick Donahue, SVC Vice President of Whidbey Island Campus and South Whidbey, San Juan, and Anacortes centers. This year’s class speakers were SVC graduates Denise Ireland, “Mosaic” and Lawrence Richard Uri III, “The Gift of Community.” Music was provided by Alexandria Hayes, “Time of Your Life” and the Introduction of the Class of 2015 was made by SVC graduate Ashley Strutz.

Facts and figures about the Skagit Valley College Class of 2015, district wide:

• There are 1322 degrees, certificates and diplomas being awarded this year, including:
  • 1063 Mount Vernon Campus
  • 246 Whidbey Island Campus
  • 3 San Juan Center
• 497 Academic Transfer Degrees
  • 363 Mount Vernon Campus
  • 125 Whidbey Island Campus
  • 9 San Juan Center
• 50 Associate in Arts – General Studies
  • 40 Mount Vernon Campus
  • 9 Whidbey Island Campus
  • 1 San Juan Center
• 681 Professional/Technical Degrees & Certificates
  • 584 Mount Vernon Campus
  • 95 Whidbey Island Campus
  • 2 San Juan Center
• 94 high school diplomas
  • 76 Mount Vernon Campus
  • 17 Whidbey Island Campus
  • 1 San Juan Center

SVC graduates range in age from 16 to 74.

• There are 73 Running Start students who received their high school diploma within the last week or will be doing so next week, and who are also receiving their Associate’s Degree.

• 47 Mount Vernon Campus Running Start
• 26 Whidbey Island Campus Running Start

• 24 students are graduating as President’s Medalists
  • 15 Mount Vernon Campus
  • 7 Whidbey Island Campus
  • 1 San Juan Center

SVC has international students graduating this year from China, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the United Kingdom.

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.