April 30, 2023
Delta College held its 63rd Commencement Ceremony Friday, April 26 in Pioneer Gym on its main campus. Graduates and their loved ones were in attendance, as well as honored guests, Presidents Emeriti Donald Carlyon and Dr. Jean Goodnow.
As Dr. Michael Gavin, president of Delta College, addressed the sea of green, he shared stories of success masquerading as luck. “I’m proud of you because you put in the work. You’re not here because you got lucky. You didn’t just land in that seat today,” says Dr. Gavin. “You made it happen through hard work and perseverance.”
We also heard from two student speakers, Emma Howell and Krystal Sanders, whom shared their personal stories of success and well wishes for their peers.
Both graduates reflected on the exceptional support they received from faculty and staff during their time at Delta. Emma shared her experience navigating higher education as a first-generation college student, “In my own way, I was able to be a pioneer. Not just for myself, but for my family as well.”
As a U.S. Air Force Veteran and nontraditional student, Krystal shared the powerful impact of a simple shift in frame of mind when faced with adversity. “I know that no matter where each of us is heading, we can overcome challenges by shifting our perspective.”
The commencement ceremony is available to watch on Delta’s Facebook page.