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Media Advisory |
5/18/2011
For Immediate Release
Delta College Class of 2011 to Graduate Over 1,500 Students
76th Annual Commencement Student Speaker: Teresa Sosa
Originally known as “The Junior College of the College of the Pacific” in 1934, San Joaquin Delta College will hold its 76th Annual Commencement on Thursday, May 26, 6 p.m., at the Stockton Arena. Delta’s new Superintendent/President, Dr. Jeff Marsee, will preside over
the ceremony.
Over 1,500 students will graduate in Delta’s Class of 2011. The college expects 40%, or about 650 students to participate in the commencement ceremony. Students will receive Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees. Many students earn multiple degrees; over 3,100 total degrees will be 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.
This year’s student speaker is re-entry student Teresa Sosa. Teresa will receive 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.
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.
“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 my speech is: It Takes a Village to Create a Scholar.” Teresa emphasizes, “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.”
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: “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!
Teresa Sosa, Delta's 76th Commencement Student Speaker.
The Stockton Arena has hosted Delta's commencement ceremony since 2009.
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