Merced College Graduation Commencement Ceremony
May 25, 2012

RETIRED PRESIDENT, BEN DURAN, DELIVERS KEYNOTE SPEECH

Dr. Ben Duran delivers the keynote speech entitled "A Journey Worth Taking". Dr. Duran retired as President and Superintendant of the Merced College District in December of this past year and has been serving as the interim President while the Board of Trustees has conducted the national search for a new CEO to lead the college. Dr. Duran has been with Merced College for 21 years serving 13 of those as President.
"Forty-one years ago I began a journey that I never dreamed would bring me to this place today. That journey brought me to Merced College 21 years ago. Though my journey is not over, I can say that my time at Merced College has been a humbling and blessed time, and I am so grateful for having had the opportunity to serve as the leader of this great college.
 When I entered school as a wide-eyed kindergartner I spoke very little English, but I was fortunate to have had a mother and father who understood the importance of education, and teachers who truly cared for me. My parents respected teachers and education so much that they actually would take sides with the teacher instead of me. Can you imagine that?" (Click the  button to the left of the above photo for the full text of Dr. Duran's keynote speech.)

Dominique Navarrette delivers the student address, “Higher Education Achieved with Ganas.”

A total of 777 students graduated with degrees and certificates of achievement during Merced College’s 49th Commencement Exercises on Friday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Stadium ‘76/Don Odishoo Field. The College conferred a total of 899 awards to 574 students who will receive an associate of arts or science degree, and 122 students who will receive certificates of achievement. In addition, five students were recognized with Superintendent’s Honors for having graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Click HERE for a PDF listing of graduates arranged alphabetically by hometown.