Commencement Exercises May 10

Nearly 250 students will graduate from Redlands Community College Friday, May 10, with degrees that have prepared them to continue their education at a four-year university or begin making an impact in the workforce. The class of 2019 also includes 42 nursing graduates, the largest number in over 10 years.

“We are proud of these graduates who have demonstrated the dedication and drive that will serve them well in the future,” said Redlands President Jack Bryant. “Redlands is a special college because of the students who have chosen to get their start on promising careers on our campus.”

Watonga resident Elisa Valenzuela said commencement will give her the opportunity to celebrate her hard work. “I work full time and went to school full time, so it is an accomplishment,” she said.

Oklahoma Labor Commissioner Leslie Osborn will give the commencement address. Osborn was elected in 2018 and previously served in the Oklahoma House of Representative. She was the first female to chair the Judiciary Committee of the House, and in December of 2016, she was named the first republican female chairman of the House Appropriations and Budget Committee.

Graduates are receiving associate degrees in Arts, Applied Science and Science, as well as Certificates in Mastery in areas such as Child Development, Artificial Insemination in Livestock and Human/Social Services Assistant.

“I have enjoyed every second of being here on this campus,” said Caleb Sanderson of Hinton. “I chose Redlands because it was affordable, not as big as other college campuses, close to home, and I wanted the transition from a graduating class of 39 to college to be as smooth as possible. Redlands has prepared me for the future by showing that it is okay to get knocked down because it only makes you a stronger person and to never give up on your end goal.”

Sanderson will be pursuing a degree in history at the University of Central Oklahoma.

Nursing graduates will be honored during a pinning ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday in the Redlands Fieldhouse. The nursing pinning ceremony will be followed by a barbecue luncheon for all graduates, their families, and Redlands faculty and staff. Commencement exercises will begin at 2 p.m. in the fieldhouse.