Firebaugh’s Joel Saldana Jr. was a speaker at West Hills College graduation ceremonies recently in Coalinga.

American Dream Alive, Well at West Hills College

The American dream is alive and well at West Hills College from the look of the smiles on the faces of graduates and their families at Friday night’s (May 26) ceremonies.

Congressman Jim Costa, whose 20th District includes much of the area served by West Hills, spoke to graduates of the struggles of his grandparents who immigrated to the U.S. 100 years ago. Like many of the graduates and their families, he said his grandparents came to the U.S. not speaking English and not able to read and write.

Education is the key to a brighter future, the congressman said, adding his support for West Hills and the work it does in west side communities.

Chancellor Frank Gornick commended Costa for his long-time support of West Hills—first when Costa served in the State Assembly and Senate and now as a member of the Congressional Caucus on Community Colleges.

Dr. Anthony Tricoli, president of West Hills College Coalinga, encouraged graduates to be bold in their thinking.

"Don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk," he said. "It is often a simple idea by those who are willing to take a risk that will have the greatest impact, or experience the greatest degree of success."

Robert Clement, athletic director at the college, was introduced as the West Hills alumnus of the year during the ceremonies. In addition to his work at the college and in representing it at state and national athletic organizations, Clement was recognized for his extensive work in the community. He currently chairs the Lemoore Planning Commission and is active in his church and a number of other community groups.

Faculty Senate Awards were presented by Anita Bart, president of the WHCC Academic Senate. Karan Patlan, Ernesto Barajas and Hillary Davis were recognized for the department of social sciences/public service. Jarod Warren was honored by non-teaching faculty. Erica Gonzalez, Romelia Martinez and Graciela Hernandez were honored by science, math and physical education faculty. Tia McLauchlin and John Sanzberro were honored by allied health. Frank Sjoberg received the award for business and Bailey Smith and Tanya Lemaster were recognized by arts and letters.

Firebaugh student Joel Saldana, Jr., did the graduate address and Coalinga students Hillary Davis, Danielle Jaurena and Jarod Warren sang, "My Wish."

West Hills conferred 668 degrees and certificates during the Coalinga ceremony and others at West Hills College Lemoore and Naval Air Station, Lemoore. Of the graduates, 69 percent were women and 31 percent were men. The oldest student was 67 and the youngest, Corcoran’s Larry Lodgson, was 18.

The number of degrees and certificates awarded at the college has almost doubled since 2000 when 345 were issued.