Hancock Celebrates 1,236 Graduates at Commencement Ceremony
MAY 26, 2023-- Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of thousands of graduating students at the college’s 102nd commencement ceremony.
More than 600 of those graduates participated in an in-person commencement ceremony on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus on Friday, May 26.
“Today, you are representing the more than 100-year legacy of this college,” said Hancock Board of Trustees President Greg Pensa. “Your contribution to that legacy will continue as you go out into the world and represent Hancock as an alumnus.”
This year, 1,236 students earned 1,971 associate degrees and 1,309 certificates of achievement across 101 different majors. In addition, nearly 40 percent of Hancock’s class of 2023 received the Hancock Promise, a popular program that provides the first year of college tuition-free for local high school students. The 102nd graduating class also boasted the highest transfer rate to Cal Poly SLO, 61 percent, with a total of 166 Bulldog graduates committed to becoming Mustangs in the fall.
“The students graduating today are prepared to take the next step in their lives as public servants, medical professionals, educators, welders, technicians and business owners,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Many are eagerly awaiting the chance to continue their education at a four-year college or university. Regardless of their destination, we affirm that they are ready to take on these challenges.”
Many of this year’s graduates already started making their mark with impressive accomplishments during their time at Hancock. A total of 324 graduates received honors for having 3.5-3.99 grade-point averages (GPAs), and 40 received high honors for 4.0 GPAs.
Attendees at the ceremony were treated to several stories about inspiring Hancock graduates and their remarkable achievements. Those included Tito “Jesus” De Leon, who is graduated at the age of 68, and Chrislaina Anderson, who graduated at the age of 15. Graduates Armando Cruz-Chavez and Constantine Hall both earned a total of nine degrees, more than any other student in their graduating class.
“Each of you saw your odds of success change because of your diligence and the support of the faculty and staff at Allan Hancock College,” said Hancock Associate Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services Genevieve Siwabessy, Ed.D. “As you leave today, I challenge you to pay it forward and use your talents to change the odds for others in our community.”
Associated Student Body Government President Edianna Ysip also addressed the graduates, reminding them that commencement was the first step of a new journey.
“Be proud of yourselves. We’ve made it through a very crucial part of our lives,” said Ysip. “It’s because of those people who supported us that we are here today.”
Speaking to the graduates on behalf of Hancock’s faculty, retiring drama professor Michael Dempsey encouraged the graduates to continue to listen and learn.
“Your diploma is a badge of honor and will serve as a reminder of how you achieved this success,” Dempsey said.
As Hancock’s class of 2023 moves on to their next adventure, registration for summer and fall classes at Hancock is ongoing. Summer classes begin June 12, and fall classes begin Aug. 14.
To learn more about the Hancock, visit www.hancockcollege.edu.
