Sequim Gazette staff
Peninsula College will observe its 54th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 18, when it awards more than 500 degrees and certificates to graduates.
Commencement starts at 2 p.m. in the college gymnasium on the main campus, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., in Port Angeles, with a reception to follow.
This year, the ceremony will have a distinct Sequim theme.
The commencement keynote speaker will be State Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Dungeness) and the student speaker is Mia Steben of Sequim.
Tharinger has served in the Washington State House of Representatives for the past six years and was a Clallam County commissioner prior to that. He serves on the appropriations, finance and health care and wellness legislative committees.
Steben is a Running Start senior at Sequim High School and director of clubs and organizations on the Associated Student Council at Peninsula College. She said she plans to study business at Western Washington University. Steben is part of the college’s honors program and has served as a member of the Honors Club and Phi Beta Lambda, a club for students studying business. Student speakers are nominated and voted on by the Student Affairs Committee.
“It is an honor and privilege to represent Peninsula College’s Class of 2016 at the
54th Commencement Ceremony,” Steben said. “Peninsula College has fostered educational excellence, unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships. I hope that students look back and remember my speech as one of inspiration and encouragement for their future journey.”
The PC Jazz Ensemble’s David Jones Trio will perform at the reception in the PUB following commencement.
Guests are advised to arrive early. Doors open at 1 p.m. and admission is limited to those with tickets.
Should the gymnasium fill, overflow seating will be available in A-12 with a video stream of the event.
For family or friends who are unable to attend the ceremony but still would like to be a part of the occasion, the college will provide a live video stream. The Internet telecast will be available at the Peninsula College website on UStream at www.ustream.tv/channel/peninsula-college.
For more information, contact Rick Ross at rross@pencol.edu.
