Crafton Celebration Shines Light on EOPS, CARE and CalWORKs Grads
Publish Date: July 20, 2022
The spotlight continues to shine bright on the class of 2022 as commencement season rolls on at Crafton Hills College.
This time, Roadrunners from the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOP&S), CARE and CalWORKs programs took center stage inside the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center (PAC) on May 13, as more than 150 students were recognized during the in-person celebration.
“Graduating,” remarked Dr. Delmy Spencer, Crafton’s vice president of student services, “shows you the dedication that you have and the commitment to your journey. You can now tell yourself, ‘I did this’ during a pandemic [and] ‘I can do it again.’ ”
All three on-campus programs focus on Crafton students who come from educationally and financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Services through these programs are offered to each participant during their time at the college – and sometimes beyond – and include counseling, child-care, and textbook assistance.
A few hundred friends and family members filled the PAC to cheer their respective students on, all of whom were introduced individually with personal information, including their majors and goals.
In addition, all who spoke before and after Spencer’s remarks praised the graduates for their dedication to their studies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when classes went online, and uncertainty loomed.
“You did it with the support of an incredible Crafton Celebration Shines Light on EOPS, CARE and CalWORKs Grads staff,” said Crafton President Kevin Horan. “They are incredible support systems for our students. Please let them know how much you appreciate them. That makes their year.”
Jorge Alamilla, a Crafton alumnus and former program participant, also spoke highly of program staffers, telling all in attendance that they are not in it for the money, but “they do it because they enjoy watching people succeed.”
“Somebody here at Crafton is there to help post-graduation,” he continued. “Just know all of the staff at EOPS are always going to remember you and will always be happy to see you come back to Crafton.”
Alamilla also took time to share a little bit about his story, including transferring to Cal State San Bernardino to continue his studies and then moving abroad to teach English to students in Korea. His goal then was to return to the U.S. after a year, but life had other plans as he now works full- time in Korea with his wife.
“There are many doors that can open like in my case,” Alamilla said. “I encourage you to take any opportunity that you have. I hope you crush all of your goals and [achieve] your dreams.”
Before the ceremony ended, each student also received a stole embossed in program colors and a medal recognizing their accomplishments. They were also able to take a photo with Horan and Spencer before heading back to their seats.
A reception took place in front of the PAC with food and refreshments and plenty of hugs and congratulatory remarks immediately following the ceremony.
To learn more about each program, please visit www.craftonhills.edu/eops or contact the EOP&S/CARE/CalWORKs office by email at eops@craftonhills.edu or call 909- 389-3239 for more information.
