By Melissa Hoyos
Communications Specialist, City University of Seattle
Graduates shared the light of knowledge with CityU staff and faculty during the 2009 commencement ceremony. Photo courtesy of Rajah Studio.
Key Arena’s lights briefly faded to black June 13 as hundreds of hands shot into the air, clutching tiny blue lights. The eager hands belonged to City University of Seattle’s 2009 graduating class who took a moment to symbolically share the light of knowledge with their teachers.
“Pursue a life full of learning,” CityU of Seattle President Lee Gorsuch urged students during the 34th ceremony held at the Seattle Center. “Never extinguish your love of learning.”
Thousands filled the arena to honor the 600 graduates in attendance who received their diplomas from the university’s School of Education, School of Management and Division of Arts and Sciences. The momentous afternoon ceremony triggered tears, cheers and hugs among graduates who were called to receive their diplomas by CityU Deans Judy Hinrichs and Kurt Kirstein. The university’s Board of Governors presided over the milestone event and conferred the degrees, totaling 2,050 worldwide.
Fernando Leon Garcia, CityU’s International Chancellor, honored those who traveled from the university’s international campuses in China, Slovakia, Canada and Mexico for the Seattle graduation. More than 700 students graduate from CityU’s international campuses each year, Leon Garcia told the crowd who answered in a roaring applause.
The VSM Board attended the 2009 CityU of Seattle Commencement. Photo courtesy of Ken Vensel.
Both he and CityU Board Chair Randy Aliment also recognized key leaders visiting from CityU’s international locations. They included the Board from the Slovakian institution Vysoka Skola Manazmentu (VSM). Boardmembers received a special commendation for the university’s longstanding partnership formed shortly after the Velvet Revolution in 1991. They are: Jan Rebro, Chairman and CityU Vice President of European Operations; Branislav Lichardus, Rector; Branislav Zlocha, Member; Pavel Svec, Member; Alena Lackova, Member and Jozef Ziska, Member.
Other international representatives at commencement included Marco Antonio Carrillo Maza, Vice President of Academic Affairs for Centro de Enseñanza Técnica y Superior Universidad (CETYS Universidad) - CityU’s Mexican partner which offers the double degree program.
Student speaker Natalie Fowler shared her experiences in the CityU of Seattle teaching program. Photo courtesy of Ken Vensel.
Ceremony highlights included moving speeches from Canadian Senator Larry Campbell, who delivered the keynote address, and Master of Education Student Natalie Fowler, who was selected to represent her graduating class.
In his speech, Campbell offered heartfelt advice to the Class of 2009 in response to the tumultuous economy and high unemployment rate. He reminded graduates that they possess the drive to succeed, adding that more than 80 percent of them held down jobs while pursuing their degrees.
“I want to be here to tell you that you will make it through this. That you will come out alive and strong. In this room people have knowledge; people have sacrificed family time, money. Leaders experience few great times in their lives. Graduating from City University will be one of yours,” says Campbell, a CityU alumnus.
As Fowler stood at the podium accessorized with a flowered pink lei, the student speaker succinctly described her wishes as a future principal: To create a school where parents are happy, teachers are happy and students are happy. She credited her CityU education and teachers in helping her refine, cultivate and understand that mission.
Fellow CityU graduates celebrate after the ceremony. Photo courtesy of Rajah Studio.
Before the ceremony, the university selected three faculty members in particular for the 2009 President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Jean Geer, Ed Serra and Daron Wilson received the annual award at the Faculty Recognition Brunch. Serra belongs to the Educational Leadership Program, Wilson teaches College Algebra in the Division of Arts of Sciences and Geer serves as an online instructor for the Essentials of Business Management class.
Another significant commencement related activity included CityU’s official President’s Reception in the nearby Fisher Pavilion hosted by the Alumni Relations Department. Graduates enjoyed cake and refreshments with their guests, including CityU faculty and staff. To view and purchase pictures from the commencement ceremony and the alumni reception please click here.
Back inside Key Arena, prior to receiving their degrees on stage, enthusiastic graduates listened to Gorsuch impart a Greek phrase adored by academics of all generations and origins.
Members of the Class of 2009 take part in a graduation tradition of moving their mortarboard tassels. Photo courtesy of Rajah Studio.
“Philosophía Krateíto Photôn,” Gorsuch says. “Let the love of learning rule mankind (humanity).”