Celebrating Winter Commencement 2015

It was a day to reflect, celebrate and look at the journey ahead. With music, inspirational words and the ringing of the spirit bell, hundreds of University of La Verne students joined the ranks of Leopard alumni during 2015 Winter Commencement ceremonies Jan. 31.

About 1,000 students were cleared to graduate for Winter Commencement and many participated in three ceremonies at the Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion. Family and friends filled the bleachers to show support.

Following are profiles of the student speakers selected for each ceremony:

Elga Diaz-Paquet – College of Education and Organizational Leadership

Being a mother of six and a career woman did not stop Elga Diaz-Paquet from going back to school to reach her professional aspirations. The College of Education and Organizational Leadership student speaker for Winter Commencement admitted she knew it would be a difficult journey, and had doubts halfway into her first semester that she could complete her program. She learned in the end that she was not a quitter and could accomplish anything she pursued. Diaz-Paquet challenged her classmates to enjoy their journeys and embrace all possibilities.

Raymond Medina – College of Business and Public Management

Raymond Medina credits his own success and the success of his classmates to the support of family and friends – pausing so the Winter Commencement candidates could applaud and cheer for all of their supporters sitting in the bleachers during the College of Business and Public Management ceremony. Medina began pursuing a Masters of Business Administration when the younger of his two sons was only a few weeks old. His wife, off work on maternity leave, encouraged him to take on the challenge. And other people that surrounded him throughout his journey gave him regular encouragement to reach the finish line. Medina encouraged all attendees to pursue higher education and challenge themselves.

Sarah Barthel – College of Arts and Sciences/College of Business and Public Management

The Millennial Generation – the age group of current traditional undergraduates – stands for more than its technological gadgets and relationship with social media, Sarah Barthel told graduation candidates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business and Public Management. The student speaker said millennials are about passion and perseverance, using such traits to guide their lives. She also highlighted the importance of enrolling at La Verne instead of a public university, calling La Verne a community, a home and a place where staff and faculty are friends and mentors. She encouraged graduates to follow their bliss and to not take no for an answer.