The Transfer Center hosted its fifth annual Transfer Achievement Dinner on May 18 in the Fireside Dining Room.
The celebration had two primary purposes. First, the event was an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievement of transfer students who will transfer in fall of 2018, and students who transferred in spring 2018. Second, the event is an excellent opportunity to continue to foster and strengthen a transfer culture within Skyline College. The event symbolizes both the achievement of transfer students, while also representing the hard work, resilience, and academic preparation students have committed, to realize this significant academic milestone.
The Transfer Achievement Celebration was well-attended, as more than 70 students attended, with over 133 guests. Thus, the celebration included over 203 guests and over 15 staff, and faculty members. First, students were welcomed at the check-in and provided a tassel to wear for commencement on May 25, or for a future commencement, as they will soon graduate from their four-year universities.
The program began with an engaging welcome and opening speech from Transfer Coordinator and Counselor, Lucy Jovel. Shortly after, guests were able to enjoy dinner and participate in the photo booth activities. Our guest speakers provided words of wisdom and encouragement to our students and their families.
The program featured a speech from Luis de Alba, a Skyline College Alumnus and San Jose State University undergraduate student. Luis’ speech emphasized the importance of persistence, and networking to our guests, especially as students transition into new universities, new environments, and academic programs.
Following up this motivational speech, Dr. Luis Escobar, Dean of Counseling, Advising, and Matriculation, presented on the importance of “why?” That is, he empowered the audience to think what is the primary purpose and motivation fueling their academic endeavors and goals. Dr. Escobar engaged students to consider how this motivation will help them soon transform the communities they serve.
The program included an activity in which students were able to write down and share tips with the audience to encourage future seamless transfer experiences for Skyline students. The dinner concluded with a give-a-way, which featured items donated by the bookstore. During this event, our students and their families shared the table with students who would transfer to the same transfer university. This seating assignment allowed for students to form a transfer community, and share critical information, to allow for a more positive transfer adjustment at their future institutions.
Feedback from both students and parents was overwhelmingly positive. Many students shared their appreciation and excitement for the event. Many students stayed after the event to have their families meet counselors and faculty who supported them along their academic journey.
With that, the Transfer Center would like to thank our Facilities and Operations staff who made this event possible. We also extend our gratefulness and thankfulness to the bookstore manager, Kevin Chak and Marta Cuellar, operation assistant, for their donations. In addition, we thank staff and faculty who supported and recommended students to attend this final celebration.
Article by Ernesto Hernandez
