Attending college is just not about the student's experience; it's often about how families participate in the student's learning, encouraging them to graduate. Whether in be financial support, rearranging family schedules, helping with late night projects or preparing for tests, the student's family is often a big part of the success story. In some cases, learning at EMCC is a family affair, with more than one family member donning a cap and gown.
Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) will celebrate student success during EMCC's seventeenth annual commencement exercises on Friday, May 10 at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony takes place at Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 South Ballpark Way, Goodyear, AZ. At the conclusion of commencement activities, a tradition of celebratory fireworks will sound in honor of the graduates.
This year’s graduates are represented by students completing studies ranging from summer 2012 through the current spring 2013 semester. Approximately 832 graduates will account for 1,525 degrees and certificates, with some students receiving more than one award.*
David Rousseau, president of Salt River Project and an alumnus of Tolleson High School who grew up in the West Valley, will deliver the commencement address. Other commencement speakers include President of EMCC, Dr. Ernie Lara, who will provide the welcome and introductions; Randolph Lumm, Maricopa Community College District Governing Board member, remarks; Melissa Bocconcelli, student comment; and Dr. Kathleen Iudicello, division chair, Division of Arts & Composition, and president, Maricopa Community College District Faculty Association, who will give the faculty address.
EMCC Student Commencement Speaker
Melissa Bocconcelli was selected as this year’s student commencement speaker, after an audition process before a panel of judges. Her story echoed the personal challenges many students face with work, family, and a down economy, but with a happy ending resulting in success and pride.
Before returning to school at EMCC, Melissa Bocconcelli worked part-time at a school cafeteria, which allowed her to spend time at home helping her five-year-old daughter, diagnosed with autism, and help her make the transition to school life. But after only nine months on the job, Bocconcelli’s job was one of the first to go after a downsizing hit.
A lack of education put a crimp on new job options. Family challenges meant she hadn’t made it through ninth grade before she had to stop school and begin supporting herself. Fifteen years later, she knew she needed to return to school. But with no high-school diploma, and no GED, she wasn’t sure where to start.
Bocconcelli found the answer at EMCC. And now, after four years and countless hours of hard work, she will walk the stage with not one, but three Associate degrees plus a certificate in general education curriculum (GEC). In the same district where she worked in food service, she’s now tutoring students in math and reading. Soon, she will transfer to ASU West campus and major in Elementary Education.
Bocconcelli said she learned a lot of life lessons at an early age, including not being afraid to start at the bottom, and relying on herself. “Ultimately, we’re all responsible for our own success,” she said.
All-AZ Scholar shares the stage with entire family
Sarah Patterson was selected and appointed to the 2013 All-Arizona Academic Team as one of the top community college scholars in the state, part of the National Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and international honor society, and the American Association of Community Colleges. Her award entitles her to a full, two-year scholarship and tuition waiver to NAU, her choice for pursuing her biology degree. Patterson's career goad is to become a heart surgeon.
The amazing doesn't stop there. Patterson was co-enrolled at EMCC while still finishing her high school education at the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center. Additionally, Patterson was not only a graduate walking in the EMCC commencement ceremony to receive her degree, she was also the singer of the event's national anthem.
But wait...the story gets better. She shared the stage with three very familiar fellow graduates. Her father and mother, Dale and Sherri Patterson, both received their Associates degree in Nursing from EMCC. Her dad graduated with high distinction honors, and plans to teach nursing some day. Her brother, also co-enrolled at Millenium high school, graduated from EMCC before he even participated in his high school graduation.
The family lovingly struggles with a daughter/sister, Rebecca, who has RTS - Rubenstein Taybi Syndrome, Marfans Syndrome, and heart problems. To find the inspiration of Patterson's passion for education leading to career as a highly specialized doctor, you don't have to look any further than her own family.
Mother and son duo defies age-casting of typical students
Returning to school later in life was challenging for Liesl Roeder. But she set goals and kept her promises to herself, including maintaining a 4.0 GPA and graduating with honors distinction. “As an adult, you can apply your life experiences,” she said. Her time on campus has coincided with that of her son Michael, also graduating from EMCC.
With a new Associate degree and concentration in Communications, Roeder continues the trend of her father, who had a master’s degree, and her mother, who had a bachelor’s degree, both in Communications. On graduation day, Roeder’s cap and gown will be accessorized by a special bracelet, worn in honor of her mother, who recently passed away. She plans to pursue a career in business and/or continue her studies at NAU or ASU.
Younger than most of his fellow graduates, Michael Johnson graduated from high school at 16, and will be 18 as he graduates from EMCC with an Associate in General Studies (AGS) degree. “I’ve changed my major a lot, from writing, to engineering, and now, the medical field. I’ve always had a desire to help people, and over the past couple of years, I’ve learned I have good leadership skills,” he said
After this summer, he plans to return to EMCC in one of the medical programs. Whether it’s as an emergency medical technician, or as a veterinarian, his future will likely find him helping others.
Renowned inventor recreates his career to IT
Randy Anderson started at EMCC part-time while in the Air Force. When his job was outsourced, he decided to use the GI Bill and finish school. Now working full-time as a computer technician at Rio Salado, he said going back to school helped him think about long-term goals. “I’m creative and entrepreneurial, with managerial skills from the military, so organizational management was a good fit,” he said.
Anderson’s daughter will graduate from high school a week after he graduates from EMCC. His son is also in college. Anderson would like eventually to get a masters degree and teach. Meanwhile, the sky’s the limit for his creativity: he’s building a hybrid car that can go 872 miles on a single charge. Stay tuned; you may one day see his handiwork in automobile showrooms.
*As of May 3, 2013