Crafton Hills College’s 2024 Grad Season continues with EOPS, NextUP, CARE, CalWORKS and Dreamers recognition ceremony
Publish Date: May 10, 2024
The Class of 2024 will always have a friend in Crafton Hills College.
That was the message of this year’s EOPS, NextUP, CARE, CalWORKS and Dreamers graduation and scholars’ ceremony, which brought dozens of graduating Roadrunners and their families and friends to “Crafton’s Room,” aka the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center, on May 10.
“Action figures” from “Ryker’s Toybox” – aka Crafton’s faculty and staff – helped lead the ceremony themed after the popular Disney/Pixar “Toy Story” franchise.
“To our graduates and scholars, today is not the end of your ‘story,’ but the final chapter of a journey you will continue to pursue as you accomplish your aspirations,” said Dr. LaTesha Hagler, Crafton’s associate dean of student services. “Each of your stories has inspired us to continue supporting [our] students. It has been a remarkable journey, and we are grateful for the opportunity to partner alongside you as you complete your educational goals.
“We will never forget the memorable experiences we’ve shared that has brought us here together,” she continued.
Crafton’s EOPS, CARE, NextUP, CARE, CalWORKS and Dreamers department provides a hand up to first generation, low-income, foster youth and/or single-parent students through academic support, financial assistance, and priority registration.
This year’s crop is comprised of 100 scholars -- 74 graduates, 24 students graduating with honors, and seven with the highest distinction -- all of whom are receiving degrees or certificates in various disciplines, like Brianne Flores, who is leaving Crafton with an associate in business administration, and Cynthia De Los Santos, with an associate degree in mathematics.
Ceremony highlights included recognition of department Faculty Champions – Professors T.L. Brink and Tina Gimple, who is a retiring after more than 30 years with Crafton; the awarding of certificates and stoles to scholars and graduates; and inspiring remarks by Chief Royal Ramey, a former EOPS student who went on to co-launch The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program, a nonprofit providing formerly incarcerated adults with the skills to become professional firefighters.
“You will get to where you need to be. It’s easy to be distracted, but if you are committed to excellence, you will achieve greatness,” he said. “Understand where your power lies and focus on what you can control and embrace the power of choice in shaping your destiny.
“We are making the choice today to have a positive impact on our family, our friends, and the community,” he continued. “Each of us can be a hero in our own way and leave a legacy we can all be proud of.”
To view all pictures taken at the ceremony visit: craftonhills.edu/features/roadrunner-scrapbook
To learn more about Crafton’s EOPS, NextUp, CARE, CalWORKS, and Dreamers support services, go to craftonhills.edu/eops or call 909-389-3239.
