EdCC will celebrate graduation off campus

Published 11:09 pm Wednesday, June 18, 2008

LYNNWOOD — Edmonds Community College will break with long-standing tradition and venture off campus for graduation exercises Friday.

“We will see how it goes,” said Wayne Anthony, EdCC’s director of student programs. “This is a trial.”

The college’s 41st commencement will be held outdoors at 7:30 p.m. at Edmonds District Stadium, 7600 212 St. SW, Edmonds. Gov. Chris Gregoire will speak at the ceremony.

Two years ago, college administrators rejected a student-led campaign to move graduation off campus so students could get more tickets to give to friends and family. Some students argued at the time that graduation should be moved 14 miles north to Comcast Arena at the Everett Events Center, which has plenty of room.

College leaders felt graduation should stay put for convenience, and so students could show off the campus. Commencement took place in the gym, which had room for 1,800 people.

The stadium, where Edmonds School District high schools celebrate graduation, was appealing because it provides more room and keeps the event closer to the college, Anthony said.

“We will be able to have so many more guests than we have ever had before,” said Anthony, who has been with the college since 1984. “That’s what’s driving the need for the move.”

This year the college will award 1,735 degrees and certificates. Historically, the number of students participating in the ceremony has ranged from 250 to 450. The college expects about 350 on Friday.

Community college graduations celebrate a variety of accomplishments. Of this year’s graduates, 33 percent earned transfer degrees to four-year universities, 31 percent earned nontransferrable degrees and certificates, and 36 percent earned a high school diploma or GED. Organizers hope everything goes well for the big event.

“We have been watching the weather every day,” Anthony said.

Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or e-mail stevick@heraldnet.com.