HCC 2015 Commencement

May 16, 2015


HCC Commencement Ceremonies

By the Numbers

• Morning graduation: 1,260 graduates, 197 faculty and 7,018 family and friends.
• Afternoon: 940 students, 80 faculty and 5,337 family and friends.

Click here to search graduates by last name.

Click here to search by degree/award.

First generation graduates, graduates over 40, graduates who are veterans, graduates who are parents and graduates who came to the United States from another country were among the thousands who filled the floor of NRG Stadium for the 2015 Houston Community College commencement ceremonies.

“You are the face of what Houston looks like today,” said Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Houston and keynote speaker for the morning ceremony as he acknowledged the rich diversity of the city and HCC.

McClelland delivered a powerful, yet relatable message about the difference between curiosity and complacency and told graduates they need to have a vision of who they want to be and how they want to be remembered.

A special guest, the Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th District of Texas, stressed to the graduates during both ceremonies the importance of education.

“You must have the confidence and strength and the willingness to learn and to achieve,” she said. “You need to be road warriors in order to make a difference not only in your lives; but also in the lives of others.”

Following her speech, the Congresswoman presented Dr. Cesar Maldonado, HCC chancellor and Zeph Capo, chairman of the HCC Board of Trustees with a certificate of recognition.

Chancellor Maldonado echoed the U.S. Representative’s words when he told graduates, “Your education is something no one can take from you — never forget what you have earned today will always be yours.”

Graduates, who received their workforce certifications and GED’s in the afternoon ceremony, enjoyed a message from Gina Luna, chairman of JP Morgan Chase, Houston Regional Banking Office.

Luna told the proud crowd, “You took a risk and believed in a brighter future. You persevered and as a result you have taken important steps towards a lifetime of success.”

In his comments, Capo challenged the new alumni to “give back to their communities by being leaders and mentors.”

Robert Glaser, HCC Board of Trustees vice chair, presented Honorary Degrees to five community leaders for their contributions to Greater Houston area. They are Bishop James Dixon II, pastor and empowerment leader; Dr. Max Miller, Jr., pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church; Yolanda Black Navarro, East End community leader; Carmen Nuncio, education advocate and president of LULAC council 402; and Barry Morris, a dedicated supporter of teachers who worked with various community organizations, was awarded posthumously.

HCC and the Board of Trustees congratulate those who received their associate degrees, Certificates of Completion and GED’s on May 16, 2015.

To see videos and photos from the 2015 HCC Commencement ceremonies, visit hccs.edu/graduation2015.


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