Cerritos College News Release May 2016
Inspiration Found at Cerritos College’s 2016 Commencement Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 24, 2016
Media Contact: Media Contact: Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878
NORWALK, CA – May 24, 2016 – Cerritos College honored its graduates during its 58th annual commencement ceremony
on Friday, May 20.
Members of the Cerritos College Board of Trustees and administration presented degrees and certificates earned during the 2015-2016 academic year. More than 2,800 students received degrees and certificates, making the largest graduating class in the Cerritos College history. California State Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and Cerritos College alumni, served as the commencement speaker.
Students graduating and transferring will be transitioning to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities, including Biola University, University of La Verne, Loyola Marymount University, University of Maine, Stanford, USC, Whittier College, UC Berkeley, UCLA, among other notable schools.
Among the students receiving associate degrees and skills certificates are Jalicia
Powell, 38, and her son Luis, 20. Jalicia, a high school dropout, is a survivor. At
17, she had her son Luis, and later in life escaped an abusive relationship, overcame
the imprisonment and murder of her son Luis’ father, and bounced back after an employment
layoff. Jalicia is transferring to California State University, Dominguez Hills as
a communication major. Luis, a scholar athlete, is transferring to Biola University
on a full basketball scholarship to study biology. Jalicia plans to gain experience
in sports marketing and publicity, and one day create an organization that helps young
disadvantaged athletes obtain scholarships and manage their life. “I want to help
at-risk youth escape toxic environments, choose a right path, and become successful,”
said Jalicia. Luis hopes to play professional basketball overseas, and continue to
support his mother and young brother.
View the 2016 commencement program
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areas of study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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