Oregon Coast Community College

Seventeenth Annual Graduation & Awards Ceremony
June 9, 2005
Newport Performing Arts Center
Newport, Oregon

36 Associate Degrees Awarded at Seventeenth Annual OCCC Graduation

The theme for this year’s Oregon Coast Community College graduation was the determination to finish college teaches perseverance for life. Ellen Sunnes, Director of Student Services said, “Our graduates were the most directed students I have ever seen—they knew what they wanted and had the determination to get it.  We’re very proud of all of them.” A total of 32 individuals earned Associate of Arts, Associate of General Studies and Associate of Applied Science degrees.  One student, Layne Alyce Blackwell received her Adult High School Diploma.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Gretchen Schuette, Chemeketa Community College President.  Dr. Schuette encouraged the graduates to take a reality check from time to time to stay open to new challenges and opportunities.  Sandy Roumagoux, OCCC Education Board President and Sherrie Cummins, President of the OCCC Foundation and Bank of the West V.P. and Coast Manager congratulated the graduates.  The ceremony also included remarks from Matt Olsen, Student Scholar from Gleneden Beach , and vocal presentations by the OCCC Spring Chorus and Central Coast Chorale, directed by Dr. Mary Lee Scoville; accompanied by Laura Buckmaster.  Katharine Colbert, OCCC Student played Chopin’s Waltz in B Minor and Debbie White, OCCC Registration and Financial Aid Specialist sang the OCCC Alma Mater.           

Receiving Associate of Arts Degrees were: Rhonda M Adams, Johnny R Cash, Anna Marie Cram (member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Brietta Jeannine Cross, Kelly J Daily-Baker, Joseph Allen-Nile Dunmire, Anna Marie Ellis, Andrew Paul Finley (member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Fred L Heistuman (Highest Honors and member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Brett D Kelley, Elizabeth Lent, Maria Teresa McQuaw (Highest Honors), Matthew Olsen (Highest Honors), Cody Nicole Richardson, Ishah Nicoll Roads, Tamara G Rosser (member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Jodi Ann Sahi, Candace Rochelle Schildan, Jamie L Stein and Phillip C Stone.

Receiving Associate of General Studies were: Johnny R Cash, Anna Marie Cram (member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Joseph Allen-Nile Dunmire, Jessica Marion Goforth, Mary Ellen Kelly, Katherine Marie Landry, Naomi Ruth Landry, Crystal Elaine Pickner, Tamara G Rosser (member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society), Kristinn M Thorlaksseon, and Michael S Wilkinson.

This graduating class was also special because the first Aquarium Science Students received Associate of Applied Science Degrees.  Bruce Koike, AQS Director said, “This class showed great faith in the college and the program since it is the first such program in the nation.  They were enthusiastic and steadfast in their goals and are already influencing the future of the aquarium science field.” 

Receiving Associate of Applied Science Degrees were:  Stuart Elijah Clausen, Jessica Caroline Nord (Highest Honors), Warren G Shead (Highest Honors), Katrina M Simmons and Jessica Maureen Trantham.  Koike continued, “It’s also a real tribute to the program because these students are very employable.  In fact Jess Nord has already been hired by the Oregon Coast Aquairum, Katrina Simmons is starting her own business and Warren Shead is heading for the Peace Corps.”

In addition to the Associate Degrees, 173 students earned their General Education Diplomas and 71 students earned their English as a Second Language Certificates. Plus, 11 business owners completed their two-year Small Business Management Certificates. This year’s Small Business Management graduates include:  Heidi Chesshir and Catherine Lucido, Grand Occasions Café; Mark Dettner, Otter Rock Surf Shop; Valerie James and Gary Kirkwood, Pro Line, LLC; Marty Kennedy and Sherry Register, Seal Rock Store; Dawn Pavitt, Pavitt Land Use Consulting, LLC; Dana and Ramona Scarborough, AAir Care of Oregon, and Mark Stone, Stonehaven Acupuncture. Coast Guide.  The Small Business Management class is taught by Ron Spisso Counselor with the Small Business Development Center under the guidance of Guy Faust, SBDC Director.   

  

Oregon Coast Community College