Cerritos College
Cerritos College Honors Graduates at 2013 Commencement Ceremony
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2013
Media Contact:Aya Abelon, Public Affairs; (562) 653-7878
NORWALK, Calif. - May 22, 2013 - Cerritos College honored over 800 graduates during its 56th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18.
The Cerritos College Board of Trustees and administration presented degrees and certificates earned during the 2012-2013 academic year. Nearly 2,000 students are receiving degrees and certificates this year, including 130 students receiving the new associate degree for transfer (AAT/AST.)
Dr. Gary Smuts, retired superintendent of the ABC Unified School District and alumnus of Cerritos College (1970), served as the commencement speaker. He congratulated the graduates and shared what he learned as a student of Cerritos College 40 years ago that guided him through his life.
Dr. Gary Smuts attended Cerritos College after graduating from Norwalk High School. While at Cerritos, he was on the football team, the forensics team, and was a member of the student Supreme Court. He also received a Bronze Falcon award for his service to the college.
As the superintendent of the ABC Unified School District, he worked to expand the relationship between Cerritos College and the ABC Unified, always exploring better ways of helping students transition from high school to college.
Dr. Smuts continues to this day to be an advocate of Cerritos College. In 2012, Dr. Smuts successfully led the college's Measure G bond campaign as the campaign chair.
Download a copy of the commencement program
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college's district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos,Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers degrees and certificates in more than 180 areasof study in nine divisions. Annually, more than 1,200 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 23,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online athttp://www.cerritos.edu/.
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