Los Angeles Mission College celebrated the class of 2024 at the community college’s 49th annual commencement on Tuesday, June 4, in Sylmar.
The total number of graduates eligible in 2024 was 885, with about 784 who indicated that they planned to attend today’s ceremony on the college’s main quad.
Karissa Vazquez, the college’s 2024 valedictorian, delivered the student address. She received two associate’s degrees, one in psychology and one in social and behavioral science. Vasquez is transferring to California State University, Northridge, with the goal of earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
Karissa Vasquez, Valedictorian, Class of 2024, speaks during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates applauded during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Los Angeles Mission College President Dr. Armida Ornelas during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
People cheer for graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates walk to their seats during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates receive their degrees during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Decorative mortarboards during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Spectators use umbrellas to shield them from the sun during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Graduates walk to their seats during Los Angeles Mission College’s 49th annual Commencement ceremony at the college’s Sylmar campus on June 4,, 2024. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
“Los Angeles Mission College stands out as an excellent option for individuals preparing for their future careers due to the abundance of resources available to incoming students,” said Vazquez, in an email prior to commencement.
“They offer programs like CalWORKs, EOPS, Promise, TRIO and DSPS to provide additional assistance, including laptops for school, book funds, school supplies, on-campus meals, and access to academic and personal counseling. LAMC is committed to offering tailored support to help students thrive.”
A commencement tradition at Mission College is the carrying of a ceremonial baton, called a mace, by the grand marshal of the ceremony who also begins the processional. Susan Ghirardelli, the college’s senior administrative assistant who is retiring at the end of this semester, was this year’s grand marshal with the honor of carrying the ceremonial mace.
Salutatorian Vi Nguyen, a student grand marshal, was also in the processional and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The commencement address was by San Fernando Mayor Celeste T. Rodriguez.
In addition, the college welcomed back its choir — the choir’s first in-person performance since 2019 — to the commencement stage. The choir, directed by Joshua R. Wentz, assistant professor of music, performed a medley of “We Shall Overcome” and “Lean on Me.”
Classical guitarist Jose Garcia performed two musical interludes during the program with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “Bamboléo” Program details: tinyurl.com/yz4268y4
A video of the 2024 commencement is scheduled to be available on YouTube: www.lamission.edu/campus-life/graduation
Los Angeles Mission College was founded in February 1975 as the ninth college in the Los Angeles Community College District (www.laccd.edu/our-colleges). Classes were held at a variety of venues until 1991 when the permanent campus built on 22 acres was completed in Sylmar. The college acquired 11 more acres in 2007.
Fun facts: The college mascot is the eagle; school colors are desert blue and silver; the motto is “Our Mission Is Your Success.”
Los Angeles Mission College, 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar. 818-364-7600. www.facebook.com/lamissioncollege. www.lamission.edu
