Shoreline Community College graduation features Sen. Maria Cantwell

Sen. Maria Cantwell delivered the commencement address
at the 50th graduation of Shoreline Community College

Hundreds of Shoreline Community College graduates, family and friends along with faculty, staff and dignitaries packed the Shoreline Community College gymnasium on Sunday, June 8, 2014 for the school’s 50th commencement ceremony.

In her commencement address, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell acknowledged the work put in by the graduates to get to this point and said the country needs smart leaders for the future. “You have already shown the grit and determination to meet these challenges,” Cantwell said.

Cantwell referred to Seattle Seahawks and invoked the “why not us” mantra of the team and quarterback Russell Wilson on the run to winning the Super Bowl. “Why not you?” she asked.

Student speaker Fatiha Mahfoudi provided an awe-inspiring message in recounting her path to her degree, an Associate in Applied Arts and Science in Criminal Justice. A native of Morocco, Mahfoudi said she grew up carrying wood on her head to fire the stove her mother used to make bread, in a house that used candles for light.

“At a time when women were not allowed to go to school, (my father) wanted my sister and I to get an education,” she said. “My father was put in jail for insisting that we go to school. Today fulfills my father’s dream for me as well.”

Faculty speaker Terry Taylor reminded the graduates that they must remember all those who helped them get to this point. “My success in college and life is the direct result of those who helped me along the way, “ he said. “Even those who I never met and will never know helped me and helped you along the way.”

Professor Emeritus awards were bestowed upon Profs. Bruce Amstutz, Betsey Barnett, Donna Biscay, Jeanne Streick and Karen Toreson.

Receiving student service awards were Matthew Fieser, Batulo Nuh, Martin Ott, and Sahakvimol Mok.