Skip to main content

Commencement Marks 4,125 Graduates


Congratulations, Class of 2016!


Hundreds of graduates and their families and friends filled the Maverik Center in West Valley City to take part in Salt Lake Community College’s 2016 commencement ceremony.

Global business leader and commencement keynote speaker Gretchen McClain told graduates to persevere in life. “It’s about having a deep gut belief in everything you are capable of and the courage not to let any naysayers or your nerves get in the way,” said McClain, former NASA chief director of the International Space Station. “It’s about knowing the difference between confidence and overconfidence and understanding that being open to learning at every phase of your life is a strength.”


McClain closed with four principles that have guided her in her: “Appreciate what you have at every stage of your career and life;” “Don’t let anyone say you can’t do something when you know you can;” “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable, as growth and comfort do not coexist;” and “Make your career matter…Look for ways to put your talent to work for a greater good.”

More than half of SLCC graduates earned associate degrees in general studies (2,130 degrees), followed by business (241), nursing (232), computer science and information systems (139), computer science fundamentals (118) and psychology (104). More than 230 students from 74 countries also graduated from SLCC, and almost 600 graduates received high honors for GPAs that were 3.8 or higher. SLCC’s oldest 2016 graduate is 67. More than 3,000 graduates received their associate of science degrees.


SLCC President Deneece G. Huftalin compared students’ experiences to the arc of a story. “This day marks the formal ending to this particular story in your life,” said Huftalin. “Today there are more pages to the left of your SLCC book than to the right. The final chapter is in your hand. … My hope for you today is that you will take some time to reflect on this particular story arc—to realize the changes that have occurred in you during your time here and to celebrate them.”

SLCC’s 2016 honorary doctorate recipients were humanitarian and community leader Barbara Lindquist Tanner and Sandy Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stanley B. Parrish. Engineer Marisa Dawn Egbert and chef/restaurateur Gerard Ford Craft were named Distinguished Alumni. SLCC faculty members Mequette Sorensen, Jane Drexler and Ron Carpenter were recognized for receiving Teaching Excellence awards. Math professor John Close was named SLCC’s 2017 Distinguished Faculty Lecturer.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SLCC's Undergraduate Annual Research Conference Registration Deadline

Salt Lake Community College’s annual Undergraduate Projects, Performances, Presentations, and Research Conference (UP3RC) is set to take place on April 2, at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus, offering students a chance to showcase their academic achievements, fostering a culture of intellectual exchange.  The UP3RC is an annual event designed to celebrate and highlight the academic accomplishments of undergraduate students. It provides a supportive environment for students to share their work, hone their presentations skills, receive constructive feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions with their peers and faculty. All SLCC departments and programs, including faculty and staff, are encouraged to support and visit the day of the event. Students with their poster from last year's UPRC event “The goal of this event is to make sure every school and student is given the opportunity to participate,” says Dr. Kamal Bewar, interim director of the STEM Learning Center, who is chairin
Post a Comment
Read more

Rev Up Your Future at SLCC Annuals Hop into College

SLCC West Valley Center will be opening its doors on Friday, August 2, from 6-9 pm for their annual lowrider event that celebrates the automotive culture and welcomes current, past, and future Bruins into the SLCC community. This unique event allows lowriders to showcase their vehicles and for spectators to witness the creativity, craftsmanship, and passion that goes into a lowrider car. From the sleek custom paint jobs to the impressive hydraulics showcased at the hop-off, attendees get immersed in the vibrant culture created by SLCC West Valley’s community. Beyond the car show, Hop into College provides prospective students and their families the opportunity to explore SLCC, engage with their future peers, staff and faculty and obtain valuable insight into the degrees and programs offered. Furthermore, the community is provided with countless beneficial resources not only as an SLCC student but as a community member. Whether interested in learning more about the lowrider community o
Post a Comment
Read more

HB 261 and HB 257 Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students: The Utah Legislature recently passed two bills that significantly impact higher education:  HB 261  Equal Opportunity Initiatives and HB  257  Sex-Based Designations for Privacy, Anti-Bullying, and Women’s Opportunities. Salt Lake Community College is deeply committed to our students, faculty, and staff. We strive to be a place where all are welcomed and respected. While there are many unknowns about the ultimate effect these bills will have on some student and staff support programs, be assured that SLCC will maintain an environment where all can find success and feel a sense of belonging. In the coming months, college leadership will work to gain clarity and determine the changes necessary for legislative compliance. We will also share this information as it becomes available.  We realize that during this time, some in our college community may feel unsettled and stressed. We encourage you to make use of available SLCC resources designed to support y
Post a Comment
Read more