Community Corner

MSJC's 2013 Commencement: Nearly 1,800 Degrees to Be Awarded

The May 31 Graduation will be held at the Ramona Bowl.

News release from Mt. San Jacinto College:

Reta Bidi and Jeffery Patterson will celebrate firsts when they attend Mt. San Jacinto College’s commencement on May 31, 2013.

Each will be the first in their families to attend a four-year university. Bidi will transfer to the University of California, Irvine to study biology. Patterson is heading to UCLA to study political science.

“MSJC is a home that I will miss but I will remember it because that it is where I started my dream,” said Bidi, 22, of Winchester. “MSJC has provided me with countless opportunities to enrich my college experience from my involvement in the honors program and various campus clubs.”

MSJC will award 1,785 associate’s degrees and 181 certificates to a total of 1,291 graduates during the commencement at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater in Hemet. 

Bidi, who will lead the Pledge of Allegiance during commencement, will receive two associate’s degrees from MSJC, one in liberal arts/math and science and another in science. She praised faculty and staff at MSJC for guiding her so she could reach her goals by transferring to a four-year university. 

In addition to her classes, Bidi was involved in a variety of campus activities, including the Honors Enrichment Program and the 50th Anniversary Project. The team of students and faculty who comprised the 50th Anniversary Project researched, filmed and produced a documentary about the first 50 years of Mt. San Jacinto College. The documentary was unveiled during the MSJC Foundation’s 2013 Gala, which celebrated the college’s anniversary. To view video, click here: www.msjc.edu/Foundation

Bidi also was recognized for her excellence at MSJC’s Honors Convocation and she received the Roy B. Mason Memorial Scholarship through the MSJC Foundation.

Patterson, 22, of Beaumont also received recognition for his achievements during the Honors Convocation and received a scholarship through the MSJC Foundation. Patterson was active during his time at MSJC. He was a staff member of the student newspaper, The Talon, and served as a senator on the Student Government Association. He later served as the Student Trustee. 

Patterson, also involved in the Honors Enrichment Program, co-organized a successful event in April that featured Congressman Raul Ruiz. Dr. Ruiz talked to students at the San Jacinto Campus about S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and math) and community involvement.

Patterson will receive an associate’s degree in liberal arts with an emphasis on social behavior. He will also receive a certificate of completion for the Honors Enrichment Program.

Patterson said he hopes to be an example to his younger siblings.

“I came here (to MSJC) for the education and I am now leaving with friends, memories, and tons of experience,” Patterson said. “Personally, it helped me develop my communications skills and leaderships as well as develop the ability to critically analyze a situation and come out with the best possible solution.”

Commencement begins at 6 p.m. at 27400 Ramona Bowl Road in Hemet. For more information, visit www.msjc.edu/Graduation.



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