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Media Advisory |
Delta College Class of 2011 Graduates 1,545 Students
76th Annual Delta College Commencement
Originally known as “The Junior College of the College of the Pacific” in 1934, San Joaquin Delta College held its 76th Annual Commencement on Thursday evening, May 26, at the Stockton Arena. Delta’s new Superintendent/President, Dr. Jeff Marsee, presided over the ceremony.
1545 students graduated in Delta’s Class of 2011. Over 600 students participated in this year’s ceremony. Students received Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. Many students earn multiple degrees; over 3,100 total degrees were awarded. Community College Week Magazine consistently places San Joaquin Delta College in the top 25 nationally for Associate Degrees earned in all disciplines. These rankings are derived from a pool of more than 5000 institutions across the United States.
San Joaquin Delta College’s Academic Senate honored four distinguished faculty members at this year’s commencement: Fashion, Merchandizing and Interior Design instructor Leslie Asfour, Social Science instructors Dr. Joe Bisson and Lynn Hawley, and Library Services instructor Steve Schermerhorn. Each was honored for their years of dedicated service to the college, exhibiting an endless commitment to their students’ success. Diane Oren, Delta’s Academic Senate President, says of the honored faculty, “Each has demonstrated innovative teaching and leadership skills, given outstanding service to students and enhanced their instructional programs above and beyond the call of duty.” Oren adds, “We were really excited about honoring these exceptional instructors!”
The Class of 2011 also recognized 13 students that earned perfect 4.0 GPAs during their Delta College academic careers: Steven Bass, Janey Casey-Brookshire, Jeanette Clifford, Mark Gavigan, Malia Keating, Jene Li, Peter Moniz, Yuen Ng, Sharon Pulsifer, William Pulsifer III, Anmol Sohail, Jackie Thy, and Jay Xiong. Congratulations all!
Delta’s commencement student speaker was re-entry student Teresa Sosa. Teresa received triple A.A. degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies: Behavioral and Social Sciences; Liberal Arts and Sciences, as well as Humanities. In addition, Teresa is a multiple scholarship recipient; has been on the President’s List three times, and received an Outstanding Student Award from Delta’s Business Division and Academic Senate.
“My motivation to apply as Delta’s student speaker was to portray the re-entry experience. I’m truly honored to have been selected.” The theme for Teresa’s speech was: It Takes a Village to Create a Scholar. Teresa’s motivational speech encouraged Delta’s graduates to “never give up” on their academic goals and dreams, and used herself as an example. “San Joaquin Delta College provided the tools for my success. The college has a dedicated faculty, as well as academic enrichment programs and support services.”
Ms. Sosa is a first generation college student of Puerto Rican and Dominican heritage. “I graduated from high school back on the East Coast in the early 80’s,” says Teresa. “During my 26-year hiatus from school, I worked in the non-profit community, focusing on social justice and public health issues.” During that period, she raised a son, Victor, who served a tour in Iraq and is completing his military commitment this year.
Teresa Sosa ventured cross-country to join her fiancé in 2007. Returning to school is never easy, but Teresa’s passion for education and a desire for “academic excellence” motivated her to enroll at San Joaquin Delta College. As with any re-entry student, she was apprehensive. “After a 26-year absence, I was concerned that I might not be academically prepared to succeed, or would feel like an outcast.” Teresa says those apprehensions began to “melt away” at the end of her first semester thanks to the support of Delta’s GolDDD/TRIO program. “I’m grateful to the college, faculty and every individual who contributed to my success, especially Delta GolDDD/TRIO.” The three D's in Delta GolDDD stand for: Drive, Determination and Dedication. As a re-entry student, Teresa Sosa distinguished herself with all those characteristics.
As for her future, Teresa will continue her journey toward “academic excellence” at Cal State Sacramento in the fall. “My major will be Health Science with an emphasis in Community Health. My career goals include becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Social Worker. I want to address health disparities of the disenfranchised.”
Teresa Sosa has this advice for all re-entry students and Delta’s Class of 2011: “Surround yourself with allies in your academic success; choose your steps carefully, and take full advantage of every opportunity. Be proactive! Most of all…remember to enjoy the journey!
(Photos: Delta College/Jim Vergara)
Delta College's 76th Annual Commencement, held at the Stockton Arena, May 26.
(Lt. to Rt.) Delta College Distinguished Faculty - Steve Schermerhorn; Lynn Hawley; Academic Senate President, Diane Oren; Distinguished Faculty - Leslie Asfour & Dr. Joe Bisson.
Delta College honored thirteen 4.0 GPA Students! (see above for list)
Student commencement speaker, Teresa Sosa, makes a point to the Class of 2011!
Dr. Jeff Marsee, Delta's new Superintendent/President, congratulates a Class of 2011 graduate.
(Lt. to Rt.) Mrs. Marsee accompanied Alma DeRicco to this year's ceremony. Mrs. DeRicco is the wife of the late Lawrence A. DeRicco, a former Superintendent/President of Delta College, and considered one of its founding fathers.
Graduates perform the traditional placement of their tassels on the left side of their Mortar Boards.
Art Holton's Delta College Symphonic Band played some great tunes!
German Aguilar leads the Delta College Vocal Quartet...plus one grad!
Delta College Nursing Grads
Delta College Veterans
See you in class!
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