Graduation ceremony marks 20th anniversary of Folsom Lake College campus
The sounds of Pomp and Circumstance have made their arrival in Folsom once again and it was Folsom Lake College kicking off the series of 2024 graduation ceremonies this past with the commencement of its class of 2024. It was a momentus celebration for the Los Rios Community College District as it marked the 20th year of existance for the Folsom Lake College campus,
Due to the size of the most recent class, commencement was divided up into two different ceremonies inside Stage 1 of the Harris Center for the Arts on the college campus. After the processional of graduates arrived and filled the lower floor of the Stage 1 auditorium Wednesday, the duel ceremonies began with introductions and welcome messages by Dr. Art Pimentel, President of Folsom Lake College just prior to the National Anthem performed by the Folsom Lake College Falcon’s Choir.
After additional comments from Pimentel, further addresses were offered by the President of the Academic Senate Dr. Eric Wada, President of the Classified Senate Karla Lozano, and Student Senate President of Associated Students Jacob Yang.
Dr. Brian King, Chancellor of the Los Rios Community College District addressed the attendees prior to Trustee John Knight who spoke on behalf of the Los Rios Community College District in the first ceremony. Graduates David Cable and Wednesday Pope delivered the student speaker address in each of their respective ceremonies. Both graduates spoke of their hardships prior to their educational experience at Folsom Lake College.
Pope struggled with homelessness prior to and during her first years of her college. Cable, became a graduate after Folsom Lake College brought the opportunity to him while he was incarcerated in prison. Both speakers shared their gratefulness for Folsom Lake College and how their educational journeys changed their lives forever, and for the better.
Pimentel returned to the podium to lead the presentation of the 2024 graduates. The class of 2024 included 959 total graduates this year. Among those graduating, 1,444 degrees were awarded and 186 students earned certificates. In both ceremonies, Knight performed the conferment of association degrees prior to the recessional and celebration amongst graduates and their families both inside and outside of the Harris Center.
Since 2004, Folsom Lake College has provided exceptional educational opportunities to the diverse communities of eastern Sacramento and western El Dorado counties. The college serves approximately 9,000 combined students at the Main Folsom campus, the El Dorado Center in Placerville, the Rancho Cordova Center, and online.
Folsom Times Graduation Photos by Matthew Battershell