Gavilan gives nearly 500 degrees at graduation
By Josh Koehn
Almost no one saw such a day coming, especially Jessica
Solorio’s doctors.
Following surgery to have a brain tumor removed at age 13,
Solorio was told by the people who saved her life to set modest
goals. Something reasonable. Higher education was clearly out of
the question.
”
The doctors said I wouldn’t be able to continue on,
”
Solorio said.
”
I proved them wrong. I’m here.
”
Gavilan gives nearly 500 degrees at graduation
By Josh Koehn
Almost no one saw such a day coming, especially Jessica Solorio’s doctors.
Following surgery to have a brain tumor removed at age 13, Solorio was told by the people who saved her life to set modest goals. Something reasonable. Higher education was clearly out of the question.
“The doctors said I wouldn’t be able to continue on,” Solorio said. “I proved them wrong. I’m here.”
Wearing a sleek black gown, her face beaming under a cap holding back tightly wound curls, Solorio became the first person in her family to attend and graduate from college as the 22-year-old Hollister native received her Associate of Arts degree at the 89th Annual Gavilan College Commencement ceremony May 22.
“I overcame from all the support,” said Solorio, adding that the help she received from family and friends, as well as the Disability Resource Center on Gavilan’s campus, was instrumental to her success.
“This is my favorite day of the year,” said Fran Lopez, an associate dean and director of the Disability Resource Center, which provides services for people with mental and physical disabilities.
Lopez said roughly 60 students graduating Friday, including Solorio, used the center in some way during their time at Gavilan.
“We provide a home and beyond,” Lopez said. “Without our services, they would have a lot tougher time.”
A total of 493 degrees and certificates were handed out – 247 Associate of Arts degrees, 72 Associate of Science degrees, 125 Certificates of Achievement, 41 Certificates of Proficiency and eight Awards of Achievement – with some individuals receiving multiple degrees.
Gavilan President Dr. Steven M. Kinsella emceed the evening, introducing speakers and recipients of awards while lauding the student body in between lighthearted jests.
“Having a college degree is the best chance you have to advance to a higher rung on the social ladder,” Kinsella said. “It also tells the world you are skilled in a profession. And some people may think you’re smart … except your in-laws.”
Kinsella took time to single out Solorio and fellow graduate Veronica Calderon as two students who had to overcome more obstacles than most. Calderon became president of the EOPS/TRIO Summer Bridge program as well as a member of the Rho Alpha Mu honors society while working throughout college to support her family.
Keynote Speaker Elder Gerald E. Harris, the National Chief of Security at the Church of God in Christ, noted that Friday marked the start of a new journey for all students, and he encouraged those in attendance to become life-long learners.
“This is not the finishing line,” Harris said. “This is the starting line.”
Daniel Murphy, a communications major now attending San Jose State University, was given the Outstanding Scholar Award, while Rudy Silva and Francisco Gil were awarded scholarships based on their work in the classroom as well as in the community. The scholarships will be applied to future educational costs, as Silva will be majoring in accounting at Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo and Gil intends to focus on liberal arts at Santa Clara.
Leonard Washington, a former Gavilan Board of Trustees member of 10 years and teacher for 44 years, received an honorary degree from the school. Washington joked that it took him 10 years to get his degree, proving anyone could accomplish a similar goal. His mood turned more serious, though, as he thanked the college and its staff.
Washington wasn’t alone in recognizing what the day meant.
“It’s special,” Solorio said. “I never thought this day would come.”
