Tony Overman/The Olympian
Graduate Angelica Monet of Oakland, Calif., snuggles with her 2-year-old daughter, Amber, during the procession Friday evening at South Puget Sound Community College. Monet received an Associate of Arts degree.

SPSCC class of 2001 graduates

College president urges students to shoot for loftier goals

RUTH LONGORIA, THE OLYMPIAN

"This degree will be a big help to Brigitte. Now she has the knowledge to go with her intelligence. She had the know-how, but her degree will be a big advantage in the workplace." -- Donnelle Lotton, friend of graduate Brigitte Renee

OLYMPIA -- For some it was the fulfillment of a dream, and for others a stepping stone into the future.

And, for thousands of family members and friends filling the baseball field at South Puget Sound Community College on Friday night, June 15, 2001, it was a celebration of the dedication, motivation, and perseverance of the 731 graduates that made up the class of 2001.

"This is an important occasion -- college is tough," said Jack Listfjeld, 59, of Elma, as he stood in the audience waiting to see his son Chris's girlfriend, Thuy Vu, receive her associate of technical arts degree.

"She's graduating with highest honors -- that's a major accomplishment," Listfjeld said.

Rolando Mulato and his children, Anthony, 8, and Giselle, 4, watched with pride as Mulato's wife, Imelda, 29, stood in the long line of scholars in blue caps and gowns.

Mulato says his wife worked two jobs while pursuing her degree in office administration.

He says she will continue her education and transfer to The Evergreen State College in the fall.

Imelda Mulato's graduation from college is an inspiration to all of the family, her son says.

"We're proud of her because she's graduating," Anthony said.

Jason Stewart, 24, of Lacey, attended the ceremony with his son, Christian, and parents-in-law, Carl and Patricia Traulsen, of Olympia.

Stewart's wife, Crystal, received her associate of technical arts degree Friday night, eight months after giving birth to Christian.

Patricia Traulsen says Crystal's graduation took the combined effort of all family members.

"We all took turns watching the baby. There were times when Crystal thought of giving up school for a while, but we're all glad she didn't," Traulsen said.

An enthusiastic cheering section screamed encouragement for Brigitte Renee Workman, of Olympia, as she was handed her diploma, signifying her degree in business administration.

"I admire Brigitte so much; she's so disciplined and driven," said LaNae Franklin, of Lacey.

Franklin and Donnelle Lotton, of Olympia, are friends and former co-workers of Workman's.

"This degree will be a big help to Brigitte. Now she has the knowledge to go with her intelligence. She had the know-how, but her degree will be a big advantage in the workplace," Lotton said.

During the ceremony, college president Ken Minnaert challenged the graduates to embrace their vision of the future or stretch their two- or three-year degrees into bachelor's and master's degrees.

Student speaker, Sally Ann Fisk shared some of the challenges of what she said were rewarding years at the school.

"A few years ago it was hard for me to stand up in front of class and give a report," Fisk said.

She says teachers at the school helped her to learn and develop her abilities.

"I soon became confident and very vocal in my classes," she said. "Now, I stand before you confident, excited, prepared and capable."

Ruth Longoria writes for The Olympian. She can be reached at 754-5435.

On the web:

South Puget Sound Community College.

The Olympian Copyright 2001

back to main Graduation 2001 index