Southwestern plans first GED graduation ceremony

For the first time, Southwestern Oregon Community College is hosting a traditional graduation ceremony for students who have completed their GEDs.

The graduation ceremony is scheduled at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 15, at the Hales Center for the Performing Arts. A reception will follow at 4 p.m.

“The GED is the equivalent of a high school education for those who have not completed a formal high school education,” Southwestern Adult Learning Skills Program Hannah Abraham-Shea said. “Completion of it is worthy of a traditional graduation and we want to encourage the completers to participate in their graduation ceremony, but we also want the community to come support them.”

This is the first formal graduation ceremony for GED completers. This year, Southwestern has served 96 students who are working on their academic skills to complete the GED. So far, 45 of those students have completed GED requirements. Some come to ALSP, located in the Newmark Center, for job training skills, basic education improvement, to complete the GED and/or to prepare for college. Many of those students go on to pursue higher education at Southwestern.

“It takes a lot of courage to walk into the Newmark Center,” Abraham-Shea said. “And it takes a lot of courage and a lot of perseverance to complete their study and preparation for taking the five GED exams. I’m hoping that we can get the community to come and celebrate the work of GED completers. The graduation ceremony celebrates their moment and we need to celebrate their moment with them.”

Press Release Date: March 16 , 2007