Clatsop Community College is proud to announce the commencement festivities for the graduating class of 2024. This year’s commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, June 14, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in Patriot Hall at the CCC campus in Astoria. This year, CCC is proud to have Margo Lalich, former Director of Public Health for Clatsop County, advocate of enhancing health services, and 1993 graduate of Clatsop Community College, as the guest speaker for the event.
Currently, 104 students have petitioned for graduation. 95 petitions are for associate degrees and 20 are for certificates. Acknowledgement will also be given to individuals who have completed the college’s GED program. Math Instructor Celeste Petersen was selected as this year’s Faculty Marshal and the honor of being named Student Marshals went to graduating students Taylor Falconer and Kris Reid. Both Faculty Marshal Petersen and Student Marshal Reid will address those gathered for the commencement ceremony along with the Associated Student Government President, Asher Finch, and guest speaker Margo Lalich. Student Marshal Falconer will lead the processional of the student body into the commencement ceremony.
“We are honored to have Margo as our guest speaker this year,” states Interim President Teena Toyas. “It is important for our graduates to see the amazing things that our alumni have accomplished, and Margo is a great example of that.”
Margo has worked in both private and public health sectors for three decades, specializing as a clinical nurse, nurse consultant, executive leader, and disaster/humanitarian response nurse. Her career has also spanned international work, with experience in Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, underscoring her global perspective on health and education. In 2023, Margo co-founded the North Coast EOL Collective whose mission is to create community by connecting people, resources, and experiences to educate and support a holistic approach to end-of-life for individuals and families living on the North Coast. A resident of Clatsop County since 1988, she refers to Cannon Beach as her heart home and is deeply rooted in the community she serves. When asked, “What do you do?” Her response, “Create Community by Connecting Systems” believing the health and well-being of any community is a shared responsibility.
“Commencement is a day to celebrate the hard work and dedication our students have put to their studies,” said CCC Interim President Teena Toyas. “I’m proud of our students’ accomplishments as they now set out to enter the career of their choosing or continue in furthering their education at the next level. We are excited to celebrate this milestone with our graduates.”
The commencement ceremony will be a live, in-person event. A live streaming option will be available via the Clatsop Community College YouTube channel. Links to live streaming and commencement information will be available on the CCC website Commencement/Graduation page at: https://www.clatsopcc.edu/academic-planning/graduation-commencement
Please direct graduation inquiries to: Becky Kraft, 503-338-2475; bkraft@clatsopcc.edu.
