Seattle Central to honor Class of 2015 grads at commencement
For immediate release:
June 15, 2015
Media Contact:
David Sandler
Director of Communications
david.sandler@seattlecolleges.edu
206.934.5487
College to present Distinguished Alumni award to Loyce Ong’udi, founder of nonprofits that help alleviate effects of HIV/AIDS epidemic in Kenya
Hundreds of family members, friends, faculty and staff are expected to pack Benaroya Hall this Saturday to honor the Class of 2015 graduates during Seattle Central College’s 49th commencement ceremony. In all, the college will confer more than 1,400 degrees, certificates and diplomas representing a variety of programs and fields.
“Each one of our graduates have worked hard and displayed tremendous dedication to reach this important milestone. I know they will use their education and training to achieve great things in their careers and their lives,” said President Paul T. Killpatrick, Ph.D.
Speaking at the ceremony will be this year’s recipient of Seattle Central’s Distinguished Alumni award: Loyce Ong’udi. Born and raised in a small village in Kenya, she immigrated to the United States and has called Seattle home for the last 16 years. She enrolled at Seattle Central in 2002, and earned an associate degree before transferring to the University of Washington, earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a Master of Public Administration. While at Seattle Central, she founded the Rabuor Village Project, named after her home village. Like other areas of Africa, her home was ravaged by the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Working from Seattle, she raised money to provide tuition support for high school youth who were left as heads of households; cared for young orphans of villagers who died from the disease, and provided meals to villagers, among many other efforts. Read about Loyce’s amazing story here.
Of the awards that Seattle Central will confer this year, 26 will go to graduates of the bachelor’s degree program in Applied Behavioral Science, the fifth year the college has awarded this important credential. The number of students graduating from Seattle Central with bachelor’s degrees is expected to increase, with a new Allied Health degree that started last year, and a new Nursing degree that will is expected to start later this year.
The college will also award nearly 800 associate transfer degrees, which enable students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their bachelor’s degrees. A few of the schools to which students transfer include in-state options such as the University of Washington, Seattle University and Western Washington University, as well as out-of-state schools like Stanford University, University of California – Berkeley and Johns Hopkins University, among many others.
Another 500 associate degrees and certificates will be awarded to students who will enter the workforce immediately, in fields such as healthcare, graphic design, construction, apparel design, information technology and business. And 75 students will receive a high school diploma or GED.
WHAT: Seattle Central’s 49th Annual Commencement Ceremony
WHERE: Benaroya Hall, 200 University St. in downtown Seattle
WHEN: Saturday, June 20; 1 p.m.
WHO: Graduates and their family/friends. Tickets are not required
INFORMATION: Visit www.seattlecentral.edu/commencement/
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About Seattle Central College:
Chosen by over 16,000 students each year, Seattle Central College offers a comprehensive range of educational programs and opportunities for academic transfer, workplace preparation, basic skills and continuing education in an urban environment. Visit us online at www.seattlecentral.edu.