Graduation Celebrations Galore

Clark College Diversity Center, International Programs, and Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education program celebrated their graduating students at ceremonies on Thursday, June 13.

Diversity Center Graduation Ceremony and Reception

Graduates with Board of Trustees Chair Cristhian Canseco Juárez, Vice Chair Denise Gideon, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Vanessa Neal, and President Dr. Karin Edwards.

More than a dozen graduates were celebrated at the Diversity Center graduation reception. Systemically non-dominant graduating students (students of color, queer students, and students with disabilities) of Clark College and their families or support network participated in the college’s annual Diversity Center graduation reception to honor the hard work of graduates and uplift the support provided by family and communities.

The program presenters were:

  • Welcome: Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards
  • Opening remarks: Alum Kodi Findlay
  • Meaning of the stoles: Alyssa Montminy, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Keynote speaker: Eduardo Javier Ramirez-Guzman, Spanish Club President who is graduating on June 20
  • Flower ceremony: Rosalba Pitkin, Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
  • Closing remarks: Vanessa Neal, Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Left to right: Alum Kodi Findlay and Eduardo Javier Ramirez-Guzman, Spanish Club President spoke at the reception.

Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Vanessa Neal, told graduates: “In our vision as a college one of the key components is being a beacon of hope, and it is you and your determination which truly serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration, not only for yourselves and families but also future generations.”

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/diversity-and-equity/

International Programs Graduation

Jody Shulnak, associate director of International Programs, Maggie Li, International admissions manager, and Kristen Fowler, international programs coordinator, with some of the International programs graduates.

Clark College International Programs students, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the graduation of 16 students representing 12 countries. Four of the graduating students have earned bachelor’s degrees. The celebration also recognized students completing the Intensive English Language Program, scholarship recipients, students who engaged in Optional Practical Training work experiences, and International Peer Mentors.

  • Thomas Antis, Germany, AA Transfer DTA
  • Raju Chaudhari, India, Mechatronics
  • Tu Do, Vietnam, Dental Hygiene BAS
  • Isabella Kern, Austria, AA Transfer DTA
  • Ju Hyung Kim, South Korea, Dental Hygiene BAS
  • Emiri Sato, Japan, Web Development 
  • Keyli Alvado Pineda, Costa Rica, AA Transfer DTA
  • Shedrack Mollel, Tanzania, Pre-Nursing
  • Huijun Tao, China, AA Transfer DTA
  • Chan Tran, Vietnam, AA Transfer DTA
  • Nacius Chamtany, Kenya, Pre-Nursing
  • Mercy Krugat, Kenya, Pre-Nursing
  • Sharon Kimani, Kenya, Pre-Nursing
  • Afnan Ajina, Qatar/Palestine, Engineering
  • Ami Teramura, Japan, Teacher Education, Bachelor (BAS)
  • Ziyad El Amrani, Morocco, BASAM

Jody Shulnak, associate director of International Programs, Maggie Li, International admissions manager, and Kristen Fowler, international programs coordinator, presented graduating students with colorful stoles representing their country’s flag. Students will wear these stoles over their robes at commencement.

 “Each of you in this room took a giant leap of faith and invested a tremendous amount of effort to make your way to Clark College,” Shulnak told the students. “Today commemorates the many ways you have thrived here, and it is a privilege to be a part of your journey.”

Some of the graduating students shared their exciting next chapters. Six students are transferring to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Sharon Kimani has been accepted into Clark’s Nursing program. Raju Chaudhari, who is earning a Mechatronics degree at Clark, has accepted a job with Intel in New Mexico.

International Programs provides support services and opportunities to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence for Clark College and the communities it serves. The program also offers an Intensive English Language program. During the 2023-24 academic year, the college had 64 international students.

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/international/

For reference, here’s 2023 story: https://news.clark.edu/2023/06/international-programs/

Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education

Clark College celebrated the first cohort of students graduating from its Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) program at a moving pinning ceremony in Child and Family Studies. Family and friends gathered to support the graduates.

The five students graduating with a BASTE degree are:

  • Caroline Abernathy
  • Tammy Salazar
  • Olivia Stevens
  • Ami Teramura
  • Emily Thompson

Professor Sarah Theberge pins graduating student Caroline Abernathy during the pinning ceremony. Far left: Professor Michelle Mallory.

“As I think about the arc of the BASTE program from inception to the culmination of the first graduating class, I’m reminded of the ‘village’ it takes to bring forth the quality of this program these students represent,” said Sarah Theberge, Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education and Early Childhood Education faculty. “There have been many voices embedded into BASTE and none more important than these fabulous five folx who have proven to be the finest of learners and have shared the gifts of their learning broadly in classrooms across our community. It’s a proud day for all of us.”

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) degree program is a two-year program that leads to certification in preschool-through 8th grade and endorsements in bilingual education, special education, and early childhood special education.

Learn more: https://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/public-service-society-and-education/baste/

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish and Carly Rae Zent