2015 Commencement Ceremony

Lower Columbia College 79th Annual Commencement Ceremony

This year's Commencement speaker is Dr. Mel Netzhammer, Chancellor for Washington State University Vancouver. Dr. Netzhammer is the second chancellor at WSUV and has been at his post since the summer of 2012. He previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Keene State College in New Hampshire.

Over 400 Students to Participate

Over 400 students will participate in the ceremony, which is a celebration of degree and certificate student completers in addition to those earning their high school credentials. Three hundred and sixty-six degree and certificate students have indicated that they will walk in the ceremony, as well as 43 students earning a high school diploma or GED. That number is likely to increase in the final days before the ceremony. One hundred and twenty five faculty, in addition to college administration, are also expected to participate in the ceremony.

To date, the College has awarded 753 certificate and degree credentials for the year, down slightly from last year's record high of 766. Due largely to economic factors, enrollment peaked at 3,749 State FTE in 2009-10 and has gradually declined to a new normal of about 2,900 FTE over the past several years. Ongoing efforts at the College to increase student success and retention appear to be resulting in higher numbers of graduates.

Scholastic Achievement Award

This year's four Scholastic Achievement Award winners will be recognized during the ceremony. Scholastic Achievement Awards are presented to the students graduating with the highest grade point averages and most rigorous coursework in academic transfer and professional-technical programs.

Academic Transfer Award