A festive atmosphere will surround Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) as students "embark on a journey for a lifetime of success?during EMCC's commencement exercises on Friday, May 13 at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony takes place in the campus's Ceremonial Plaza, where at closing, celebratory fireworks will sound in honor of the graduates.Approximately 348 degrees and 147 certificates of completion are expected to be awarded. Among the recipients are 28 graduates of the Genesis West Program, a partnership program of EMCC and local high school districts that allows students to complete their high school diploma while earning college credit. Adam Goodman, president of Goodman's Interior Structures, a division of the third-generation, family-owned Goodman's Furniture will deliver the commencement address. The company was recently awarded the Spirit of Enterprise Award in 2004 by the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business, for demonstrating ethics, energy and excellence in entrepreneurship. In addition, other commencement speakers include President of EMCC, Dr. Homero Lopez, welcome and introductions; Catarina Macias, student comment; and Stephanie Fujii, faculty address. Examples of Graduate SuccessFrom Homeless to HopefulA college education was the furthest thing from Rebecca Cruz's mind a few years ago. Finding a place to stay for her and her three young sons took top priority. A functioning drug addict, Rebecca realized her life was on downward spiral when she lost her home and risked losing her children, too. With the help of a social service agency, she was able to obtain the resources necessary to reclaim her life. She found an apartment, received food assistance, took parenting classes and kicked her drug habit. "I realized if I didn't change, my kids would follow the same path,?admits Rebecca. After getting back on her feet, she felt the call to help others that struggled through similar situations. She began volunteering assembling food boxes and sharing her knowledge of community resources. In 2003, Rebecca enrolled at EMCC to complete requirements to become a social worker. She is the Treasurer of the Social Awareness Club on campus, actively participating in causes such as the Juarez Murders art project, Amnesty International, hygiene drives for local shelters and domestic violence awareness.With plans to transfer to ASU West in the fall, Rebecca now has a feeling of self worth, and her kids at ages 14, 12 and 10 have already decided what college they'll attend. Rebecca graduates with an associate of arts degree, with emphasis of study in Sociology. Student's Path Guided by Faith Jeremy Fitzhugh has always known he wanted to perform. As a young child, from a musically-inclined family, he remembers performing in his father's church and in front of relatives, long before he even started school. A saxophonist and vocalist, Jeremy honed his craft by performing in local groups, choirs and bands. On one occasion he had the opportunity to accompany gospel greats, The Clark Sisters, at a scheduled performance in Phoenix. On another, he played alongside Vernard Johnson, billed as "the greatest gospel saxophonist in the world?At just 19, Jeremy's plans for his future appear solid. In the fall, ASU West's Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance department will welcome him into their Music program, where he'll further develop his compositional and performance skills. One day he'll record a gospel CD of his own and hopes the doors are open wide enough for him to bring other aspiring gospel artists with him. Jeremy graduates with an associate of arts degree.Success Threes Time As Nice Heidi, Mandi and Vickey Barton have always done everything together. That's why it comes as no surprise that the identical triplets will walk across the stage together on graduation night. The 21-year-old trio enrolled in all the same classes at EMCC, confusing most instructors and furthering their already-tight bond. Additionally, they work together in the Admissions and Records department on campus, and up until Heidi moved out two years ago, they shared the same residence. With all this togetherness, one might think this type of arrangement would tire. But, it's how they wish to exist. "They're both my best friends,?Vickey insists. In the future, the girls would all like to pursue careers in medicine. It's reconstructive surgery for Heidi and veterinary medicine for both Vickey and Mandi. Each will graduate with an associate of arts and an associate in general studies degree.Estrella Mountain Community College is a Maricopa Community College. Located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale, EMCC offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to residents in the West Valley. Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation serving more than a quarter million students annually. For more information visit www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu # # #
