information from South Seattle College

South Seattle College’s Class of 2016 graduates were honored at the 46th Annual Commencement Ceremony held on June 16 at Benaroya Hall. More than 900 graduates were celebrated on the night, and they move into their future with a vast array of degrees, certificates and diplomas in hand.

“Be proud of this moment and take time to salute yourself,” South Seattle College President Gary Oertli said to the graduates at a near-capacity Benaroya Hall as family, friends and college staff cheered them on. “I want this to be a moment you won’t forget.”

This year’s commencement address was delivered by three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist Mary Whipple, who was the coxswain for the United States Women’s 8+ Rowing Team in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

“What my story has taught me is this: when you create a positive team culture where people can feed off each other’s energy and ideas, you will arrive somewhere only a group can go,” Whipple said, encouraging graduates to embrace teamwork in their future endeavors. “When everybody is all in, anything is possible. I cannot wait to see what this Class of 2016 creates.”

South Seattle College conferred a total of 921 awards this year, including 463 associate transfer degrees that enable students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in Washington and beyond to complete their bachelor’s degrees. Another 277 graduates earned associate degrees and certificates that prepare them to enter the workforce immediately. Forty-nine earned their bachelor’s degrees, including the first class to obtain a Bachelor’s of Applied Science in Sustainable Building Science Technology, and 132 graduates earned their high school diploma or equivalent, taking a significant step toward increased earning potential and future educational opportunities.