FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Valerie Anderson
(650) 574-6105
anderson@smccd.edu
College of San Mateo Holds 92nd Commencement Exercises
San Mateo, CA—On Friday, May 23, College of San Mateo is celebrating the awarding of 1,542 associate degrees and certificates to students at the college’s 92nd commencement ceremony. The ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m. in the college’s Gymnasium, Building 8.
About the Speaker
President Michael Claire will introduce the commencement speaker, Arianna Avendano, a CSM alumnus. Arianna is a 2011 graduate of CSM who transferred to California State University, East Bay, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2013. She was selected by the Associated Students of CSM to serve as the speaker for the 2014 commencement. The theme of her speech is “Define Your Own Meaning of Success.”
As a CSM student, Arianna worked as a student ambassador—a member of a team of students who assisted in outreach to high schools, campus tours and college events— an official student representative of CSM. She rose to the position “lead” student ambassador providing leadership to the 10-student cadre of ambassadors. For her contributions to the college and her academic success, Arianna was the recipient of several prestigious scholarships awarded by CSM.
Arianna is currently a program counselor for a leading Bay Area medical weight loss and management program where she provides individual counseling, assessment and support services to help patients develop healthy and sustainable lifestyle changes. She is also a member of THRIVE (The Alliance of Nonprofits of San Mateo County) and CSM’s Advisory Council for Community Outreach. Arianna is a California-certified sexual assault counselor, and a volunteer for Rape Trauma Services in Burlingame.
About CSM’s 92nd Graduating Class
This year, College of San Mateo will confer 629 associate degrees in 76 majors and award 913 two-year career and technical certificates representing 57 certificate programs. In addition, nine international students from nine different countries will be participating in the ceremony.
CSM’s graduates and other transfer students have received their acceptances to universities for the fall 2014 semester. The universities that CSM students will transfer to include all nine undergraduate campuses of the University of California system, 17 campuses of the California State University system and more than 40 out-of-state and private colleges and universities throughout the nation including University of Alabama, Penn State University and University of Southern California.
Other Commencement Highlights
In addition to Ms. Avendano serving as commencement speaker, student Rupinderpal Singh Grewal, will serve as the student speaker; his speech is titled, “The Chance to Change.” During the ceremony, a special presentation will be made to Mr. Grewal who is graduating Summa Cum Laude – with highest honors. He earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average in all of his coursework at the college.
The ceremony will include the awarding of 2013/14 Allan R. Brown Outstanding Student Service Awards. This year’s recipients are Amanda Governale, Melissa Khoo, Dionne Pickard, Rupinder Singh Grewal, Elena Roldan and Nick Vasquez. The award recognizes students who have made outstanding volunteer contributions to student life, the college and the community. Musical selections will be performed by CSM’s Symphonic Band, led by Conductor Michael Galisatus. For a map and directions to CSM, visit collegeofsanmateo.edu/map.