Crafton Hills College’s Paramedic Class 97 Celebrates its ‘Family’ at Grad Ceremony
Publish Date: Sept. 5, 2022
If you were to look up the word “family” in the dictionary, you’ll most likely find photos of Crafton Hills College students, faculty and staff.
Included in the bunch would be CHC’s Paramedic Class #97, a tight-knit group of paramedic students who were celebrated during a lively graduation ceremony on Friday, Aug 19, in the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center.Not only were personal awards gifted to students by Class President Juan Fernandez and program heads, but one familiar face was included in the celebration: Custodian Richard Lopez.
“Every day we’d show up for class and not only did he take time to learn each of our names, but this man would ask how our day was,” explained Grad Gustavo Loza. “We’d walk out with the worst attitudes, but he’d stop and ask us how we were doing.”
Traditionally, paramedic graduates present the Yucaipa-based college with a special commemorative item to hang within program walls, but Class #97 switched things up by gifting a new podium embossed with each graduate’s name. Included in the list was Lopez’s, the class’s unofficial cheerleader.
“Besides having a great heart, (Lopez) is such a hard worker and we wanted to recognize him,” Loza explained.
This small token of appreciation touched everyone in attendance, including Lopez who thanked all involved. But that was just one standout moment that took place during the more than an hour-long ceremony.
The term “family” was thrown around multiple times as remarks were made throughout the event. During his remarks, Guest Speaker William Dye, a fellow program grad and engineer with the Redlands Fire Department, and CHC adjunct faculty member gave props to each student’s family members, friends and CHC faculty and staff who served as their “rocks” while going through the eighteen-month program. Being invited by the class to serve as keynote speaker at the event felt like returning home, Dye said.
“The reason why I’m here today is because of this institution. This is an awesome place,” he continued. “I want you guys to realize this is a chapter of your lives that is coming to a close, but tomorrow starts a new one, and this journey is the most fun you’re about to have .”
Other program highlights included an impressive rendition of “Reflection” from Disney’s Mulan by Medical Director Dr. Phong Nguyen but with a twist, this time reflecting life as a paramedic student spending long hours studying and eating on a budget. The awarding of the pins was also a welcome component to the event, with program coordinators inviting family and friends to “pin” their respective graduates. Each student also received a scholarship to help pay for licensure and testing, courtesy of Nicholas Campos through the Crafton Hills College Foundation.
Individual awards were also awarded to several students and were as follows:
The Clinical and Cardiology awards – James Lowry
The Pharmacology Award – Brooklyn Hendrickson
The Field Award – AJ Nolan
The Assessment Award – Skylar Antoncew
The Theory Award – Austin Matula
The Medical Director Award – Gustavo Loza and James Mathias
Antoncew and Rodolfo Vargas each received a scholarship from The Beaver Medical Foundation, continuing a tradition of giving on campus. Nguyen reminded the grads that when they are able to pay it forward, that they consider supporting future paramedic students philanthropically as they were supported tonight.
“This is a very successful program, but I will say this: as good as the faculty are, as good as the administrative team is, and as good as the resources allocated are... the success of this program hinges on the students who select this program,” said Dan Word, CHC’s dean of education and human development. “Congratulations.” To learn more about Crafton’s Paramedic Program, visit craftonhills.edu/paramedic
