2017 Commencement Breaks Graduate Record

Austin Bell
Jul 21, 2017 · 3 min read

Note: [This story was published during my time Interning at the marketing department at Paradise Valley Community College and was published on a separate site from Puma Press and Northeast Valley News.]

Austin Bell

Paradise Valley Community College’s 27th annual commencement ceremony was held on May 12th, 2017. The 2017 commencement was unique in that it marked the 30th year anniversary of the college opening and a record number of graduates in attendance. 270 graduates took the stage to receive an associate degree or certificate of completion and over 1,000 students petitioned to graduate; a significant increase from the 115 graduates at PVCC’s inception, in 1991.

Festivities were held at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona. The church was remodeled over the past year and was able to accommodate all graduates and their family members. Renovations also included two large multi-screens to project a live Twitter feed of students and family member’s thoughts, reactions and words of encouragement during the commencement ceremony.

Following Dr. Dale’s welcome, The National Anthem was sung by graduating student Rachel Brown and the graduating song, “Believe It’s Possible,” was performed by PVCC alum James Austin Murray (JAM). The platform party onstage included Dr. Paul Dale, Dr. Mary Lou Mosley, Dr. Tanisha Maxwell, Dr. Samuel Dosumu, Herman Gonzalez and Dr. Jon Storslee. Also onstage, were two student speakers; Nia McMillon and Kaylee Wright, along with
Student Government President Brady Newman.

Sadly, this was Dr. Mosley’s final commencement, as she has announced her retirement from PVCC. She has been an integral part of PVCC and was a school employee even before it was certified as a community college. Dr. Mosley has attended every PVCC graduation and this year she had the honor of calling student names to receive their diplomas for the very last time.

Maricopa Community College District governing board member Alfredo Gutierrez attended graduation as a guest speaker, as well. Mr. Gutierrez thanked the graduates for their accomplishment and gave them encouragement for their future. He remarked on what an important day it was for him because his grand-niece was in attendance to receive her associate degree. After the final degree was conferred, Dr. Dale had a few closing remarks and a reception was held outside the main auditorium with music from local musician Billy Cioffi.

2017 commencement was a success thanks to the many volunteers and employees that helped make it possible. Student government and volunteers passed out programs, ushered guests to their seats and assisted graduates checking in. 30th anniversary commemorative cookies were also supplied by Urban Cookies, a local bakery founded by a PVCC alum. Urban Cookies employees and PVCC alumni Natalie Burt, Lauren McCabe, Alexis Sanchez and Taylor McCabe baked and wrapped the cookies by hand.

In the following week, Dr. Dale said, “The 2017 Commencement exercises, held just two weeks ago, will go down in the PVCC history books as perhaps one of the best. The event was highlighted by a record number of graduates marching, excellent student speakers, poignant remarks by Board President Gutierrez, and an overall ‘finely tuned’ and organized event made for a memorable evening.” He also gave special thanks to the staff and student volunteers who helped with the commencement exercise and event. Furthermore, he stated that he had received many compliments from students and their families during the reception, which affirms the level of success and care that went into the commencement ceremony this year.

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Originally published at www.pvpride.blog.pvc.maricopa.edu.

Austin Bell Journalism Portfolio

This portfolio represents a year and a half worth of journalism stories complied in one place. These stories focus on current and new technology and the way we interact with it, music and movie reviews and social issues in the world today.

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Austin Bell

Written by

Austin Bell Journalism Portfolio

This portfolio represents a year and a half worth of journalism stories complied in one place. These stories focus on current and new technology and the way we interact with it, music and movie reviews and social issues in the world today.

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