Resilience in the Face of Loss: Crafton Hills College Celebrates the Achievements of the 2023 Respiratory Care Graduates
Publish Date: Dec. 20, 2023
On December 14, Crafton Hills College celebrated the graduation of the 2023 Respiratory Care class.
CHC’s Respiratory Care program is one of the best such programs in the region. Program Director, Dr. Michael Sheahan, noted that this didactic and clinical program is so rigorous that they began with 37 students and lost 12 students in the first semester. Seventeen students graduated and will become full-fledged respiratory care therapists. Despite the challenges this graduating class faced, Daniel Rojas, Faculty Co-Chair for Respiratory Care, said that he is “blown away by their competencies” and encouraged them to continue learning and growing.
Class President Frances Ta’ase, opened the ceremony as she discussed how much growth she witnessed in her classmates and how she not only “...gained skills but [also] experienced way more than [she] anticipated.” Ta’ase closed her speech with, “May we continue to learn, grow, and make positive differences in the world of respiratory care.”
Though the evening was largely celebratory, there were also some somber moments.
Rojas teared up as he talked about a student who is no longer with us. Nicco Cabalu, one of the would-be graduates, unexpectedly passed away during the program and, to honor his memory, his classmates had a seat onstage where his photo and jersey sat. Rojas talked about Cabalu’s contagious smile, consistent professionalism, respect for authority, and huge heart, and a video of Cabalu played. As it ended, a soft voice in the crowd said, “that’s my son.”
Cabalu’s family was invited on stage and presented with the degree he would have received along with a Presidential Award. The audience stood and applauded for an extended period in honor of the graduates’ fallen classmate.
Toward the end of the ceremony, CHC President Kevin Horan announced that all the graduates would be given checks from the Kirsten Greek Memorial Scholarship fund to help offset the costs of testing and licensing.
In addition, the following awards were presented:
- Jesson Scholarship: Luis Rebollar
- Academic Achievement Award: Richard Sevilleno
- Clinical Achievement Award: Jose Araya
As each graduate received their certificate, family and friends showed their support for each of them as groups of loved ones stood, cheered, and whistled when their graduate’s name was called. The graduates turned their tassels, the audience stood, and applause erupted from the crowd as Professor Reynaldo Bell said, “Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Crafton Hills College’s 2023 Respiratory Care [graduates].”
For more information about Respiratory Care at CHC visit: http://www.craftonhills.edu/.../allied.../respiratory-care/
