A sea of black caps and gowns represented more than just hours of study, focus, and passion, but the beginning of the future for San Jacinto College students this May.
The College held its spring 2019 commencement ceremony May 17 inside NRG Stadium, with nearly 1,100 graduates attending.
This spring the College awarded more than 3,100 degrees and certificates to approximately 2,400 students who successfully completed their academic programs.
Commencement speaker Judge Jo Ann Delgado, Harris County Precinct 2, Place 1 Justice of the Peace, congratulated students on persevering through obstacles — from juggling jobs to caring for families — to reach this moment.
A first-generation college graduate, Delgado described her own rise from humble roots to become the first female Hispanic justice of the peace in Harris County.
"It takes determination at the highest level. College is a short-term commitment that helps you reach long-term success," she said.
With degrees and certificates in hand, San Jacinto College graduates leave the College empowered to achieve their goals, redefine their expectations, and explore new opportunities.
Although some will transfer to four-year institutions, others will immediately enter the workforce, making a difference in their communities and boosting the local economy.
Once again named among the nation's top 10 community colleges by The Aspen Institute in 2019, San Jacinto College serves approximately 45,000 credit and non-credit students annually with more than 200 degree and certificate options.