The North Centers Commencement
On Friday, May 16, 2008, the Madera Center held its 12th annual commencement ceremony with Ambassador Phillip Sanchez, a former U.S. ambassador, as the keynote speaker. Three students of note, one each from the Madera Center, Oakhurst Center and Willow International Center, were recognized during the ceremony. Approximately 150 students participated in the Commencement Ceremony.
Madera Center student of note: Gabriela G. Gomez
Gabriela was raised in a home where domestic violence was a big issue. Even though her parents did not get along, they always encouraged Gabriela and her brothers to get an education. She learned how to deal with very difficult situations in her life while attending school, such as the death of her father, a pregnancy and birth, and dealing with domestic violence within her own relationship. Despite many obstacles and being a single mother, Gabriela was very conscientious of her studies.
Gabriela now works with victims of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault. Because of her own family background, Gabriela is well equipped to provide insight to women in abusive relationships. She received an associate in arts degree in general studies in May 2007, then returned to the Madera Center in 2007–08 to complete requirements for the Criminology/Criminal Justice transfer program. She will transfer to California State University, Fresno, in fall 2008.
Willow International Center student of note: Julie Woodworth
Julie, a re-entry student, attended college in 1994–95 and returned in fall 2004 to continue her education. She has endured physical and heart-related conditions and has managed to end not one, but two, abusive relationships. She has had 11 strokes caused by a hereditary condition and lives with a variety of other medical challenges: osteoarthritis, hemiplegic migraines, fibromyalgia, muscle weakness in the left arm and more. But Julie’s health has not held her back.
Julie is the first person in her family to get a college degree. She received financial aid and support from the Disabled Students Program & Services. She earned an associate in arts degree in General Studies in May 2008. This fall Julie will attend California State University, Fresno, where she plans to complete a master’s degree and help abused women. She will continue to drive in from Oakhurst, but she won’t be alone. She will be accompanied by her daughter, who graduated from high school this year and will also attend California State University, Fresno, in the fall.
Oakhurst Center student of note: Peggy Knowles
When Peggy decided to leave college and pursue a career as a wife and mother, she never dreamed that it would be eight children and 30 years later before she would return. Peggy enrolled in classes at the Oakhurst Center in spring 2006. She has raised eight children, including twins who have special needs and require constant attention and supervision. It has been a juggling act between cooperative family and friends to keep the twins cared for so Peggy could continue in school. Peggy works part-time and had to increase her work hours due to financial hardship because her husband was out of work for an extended period of time. While in school, Peggy traveled out of state to assist her elderly parents and help her children during the births of her four grandchildren. She credits some of her success to the flexibility of instructors who worked with her during these times of family need.
Peggy completed an associate in science degree in biology with a 3.8 GPA and will go on to focus on earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing at California State University, Fresno. Her future plan is to continue her education and go on to pursue a master’s degree in nursing.
Commencements at other SCCCD locations:
- Fresno City College Commencement
- The North Centers Commencement
- Sanger resident graduates with honors from Reedley College
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