Graduation Numbers Increase as Students Overcome Challenges
to Gain New Opportunities and Strengthen the Local Economy
to Gain New Opportunities and Strengthen the Local Economy
PHOENIX – May 4, 2012 – Rio Salado College will celebrate the accomplishments of the 2011-12 graduates at commencement May 17 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. This marks the 33rd graduation ceremony for the college and a 45 percent increase in associate degrees awarded from last year. The free-ticketed event begins at 7 p.m. Featured student speakers will be Michal Rudnick and Gina Boesch.
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Michal Rudnick |
“I look forward to furthering my education, as Rio Salado has given me an excellent foundation,” said Rudnick. “Not only am I better prepared to face professional challenges, the online learning format at Rio has dramatically improved my online communication skills which are vital to the professional work I do every day.”
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Gina Boesch |
“I reached my goal of graduating from Rio Salado thanks to countless amounts of help I received from college personnel,” said Boesch. “I can’t wait to apply my passion and strengths in a profession I believe will open doors for many people without them having to sacrifice their own culture in order to succeed.”
Additional highlights include congratulatory remarks from Maricopa Community College District Governing Board President, Doyle Burke, MCCD Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick and Rio Salado College President, Dr. Chris Bustamante.
A total of 4,112 degrees and certificates will be awarded for 2011-2012, with nearly 150 students participating in this year’s commencement exercises.
2012 Graduation Statistics*:
627 Associate Degrees
- 143 Associate in Arts
- 10 Associate in Elementary Education
- 1 Associate in Fine Arts
- 72 Associate in General Studies
- 21 Associate in Business – General Requirements
- 8 Associate in Science
- 372 Associate in Applied Science
3,256 Certificates of Completion
206 Recognitions of Academic Achievement (TEP)
*Projected numbers at time of posting.
Additional Graduations:
The college will celebrate the accomplishments of 34 Dental Hygiene graduates at a pinning ceremony at 4 p.m. on May 11, at the Conference Center @ Rio.
GED Graduation will be held May 16, at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix at 7 p.m. More than 200 graduates will participate in this year’s ceremony.
For more information visit www.riosalado.edu/graduation. For grad night photos visit Rio Salado’s Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/RioSaladoCollege .
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Rio Salado College is one of ten Maricopa Community Colleges and the largest online public community college in the nation, serving nearly 70,000 students annually with more than 43,000 online. Founded in 1978, Rio Salado offers degree and certificate programs and general education courses. The college also provides support for dual enrollment, military and incarcerated students. It is the largest provider of adult basic education in Arizona and served more than 9,500 students last year.