West Los Angeles College marked the end of its 50th Anniversary Celebration at their commencement on Tuesday, June 4. Special moments included recognition of the college’s second Baccalaureate class which doubled in size from last year to 49 dental hygiene degree recipients. West is one of only 15 California community colleges authorized to offer a bachelor’s degree. This was also the first class with graduates who benefited from the College Promise Program that provides one year of free tuition to first-time, full-time freshmen…
Approximately 15 percent of this year’s 1,200 associate degree and certificate recipients are Culver City, Palms and Mar Vista residents. Five percent are from Culver City.
Here are a few stories from Culver City High graduates who are now also West Los Angeles College alumni.
BRUIN BOUND
Juderay Almario was active in student government at West and a participant in the Transfer Honors Program. “The resources at West exceeded my expectations.” Almario was accepted to multiple Cal State and University of California campus. He is headed to UCLA in the fall.
BEATING THE ODDS
Sarah Fey was the featured speaker at West’s year-end celebration for NextUp students – current and former Foster Youth. “Be better than the negative influences around you,” she said. Fey will complete her bachelor’s degree at Cal State Dominquez Hills.
J.D. FOR ME
Alexis Andrew completed the first leg of her journey towards becoming an attorney. Her next stop is Cal State Monterey Bay where she will study Political Science. She is appreciative of the great tutoring and other services offered by West’s Learning Center.
FUTURE “G MAN”
Juan Garcia earned his Associate Degree for Transfer in Administration of Justice with an eye on becoming an FBI agent after he completes his bachelor’s degree at Sacramento State University.
FUTURE PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Corina Paz was accepted to four Cal State Universities and is still deciding if she will choose CSUN or CSUDH. “West allowed me to take classes at my own pace,” which was helpful when she needed to help a family member fight deportation. Now she is full steam ahead.
HELPING OTHERS
While at West, Bement Woldegebriel worked for EOP&S which provides students with academic counseling, tutoring, book vouchers and encouragement. At CSUN, she will study Communication Disorder Science with the goal of becoming a speech pathologist
ENTREPRENUER / TEACHER
DeAnna Featherstone is headed for Cal State Dominguez Hills where she will complete her bachelor’s degree in business with an eye on running an early childhood education program.
READY FOR MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT
Joanna Montes and Naayin Akyempon were both participants the College 2 Career (C2C) program which operates in select community colleges around the state. C2C supports the learning needs and employment goals of individuals with an intellectual disability. Montes is excited about entering the field of hospitality while Akyempon is still considering his options.
Michelle Long-Coffee
Photo- Corina Paz has a smile for Cal State Northridge at WLAC graduation
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