2010-11 Highlights Wordle

A Wordle made out of the 2010-11 College Highlights as published in the Commencement program. See the highlights.

2011 Commencement Wordle: Omar Willis

Omar Willis' Wordle

A Wordle of the most frequently used words in 2011 Commencement Speaker Omar Willis' Commencement speech. Read the whole speech.

2011 Commencement Wordle: Marti Smithsund

Smithsund's Wordle
A Wordle of the most frequently used words in 2011 Commencement Speaker Marti Smithsund's Commencement speech. Read the whole speech.

EdmondsSphere in the news: alumni stories and future students

Edmonds Community College is behind some outstanding stories in the news:
• "Super Kid: Kelsey Dunmire, a woman of firsts" was featured by The Herald. She is an Edmonds Community College Running Start alumna headed for Washington State University's pre-vet program.
• Central Washington University graduate Anggietta Tiara Kamalsah was featured in the story "CWU graduation: Indonesian Chinese student first in family to get degree" in the Daily Record. She earned her bachelor's degree in public relations at CWU and her Associate's Degree at Edmonds Community College.

And it's at the beginning of this one:
"Program gears up at-risk students for college," in The Herald. A graduate of the program, and Everett High School, Destiny Alinder, wants to attend Edmonds Community College and become a drug and alcohol counselor.

Commencement 2011: speaker Omar Willis

Edmonds Community College holds its 44th annual commencement ceremony 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 17 at Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

This year, the college will award 2,022 degrees and certificates including 650 transfer degrees, 845 career degrees and certificates, 405 GEDs and 122 adult high school diplomas. It is the college’s largest graduating class in more than 10 years. This year, the college commencement ceremony has been moved to Comcast Arena to accommodate the large number of graduates and their friends and families who wish to celebrate with them.

The student speakers are Marti Smithsund of Seattle who will graduate with her Project Management certificate and Omar Willis of Mill Creek who has earned his Associate of Arts degree.

Willis always wanted to go to college, but did not think he could afford it. After graduating from Lynnwood High School, he began work as a hairstylist for Gene Juarez Salons and Spas. He enjoys the work, however, after his father passed away, Willis learned he qualified for a college tuition waiver because of his father’s service as a Vietnam Veteran. Now Willis, 24, is trying to get as far as he can toward his goal of earning a master’s degree, before the benefit runs out when he turns 26. Motivated, he finished his Associate of Arts in just one year, while working, and earned a 3.9 GPA.

“I feel like I was denied in the past. Now I have the chance.” — Omar Willis

In his own words, more about Omar:

Secret to success Spreadsheets — I have a to-do list for every day and a spreadsheet for each week and every quarter

Advice to students Know why you are trying to achieve a goal — it has to be a reason that’s real for you.

College activities performing in the college’s production of The Member of the Wedding and in Molière’s The Miser with the Theatre Arts Students Organization; service-learning projects with AmeriCorps Students in Service, and president of the philosophy club

College goal master’s degree

Dream job entertainment journalism

Commencement 2011: speaker Marti Smithsund

Edmonds Community College holds its 44th annual commencement ceremony 7:30 p.m., Friday, June 17 at Comcast Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave., Everett.

This year, the college will award 2,022 degrees and certificates including 650 transfer degrees, 845 career degrees and certificates, 405 GEDs and 122 adult high school diplomas. It is the college’s largest graduating class in more than 10 years. This year, the college commencement ceremony has been moved to Comcast Arena to accommodate the large number of graduates and their friends and families who wish to celebrate with them.

The student speakers are Marti Smithsund of Seattle who will graduate with her Project Management certificate and Omar Willis of Mill Creek who has earned his Associate of Arts degree.

Smithsund, who holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, came to Edmonds CC to update her skills after working as a corporate trainer. She enrolled after attending a Project Management program open house. Her husband also retrained mid-career at the college, earning an Advanced Paralegal Certificate.

“I’m preparing myself for new opportunities in a changing economy. I feel a sense of urgency – to use (and not waste) the talents I’ve been given, cultivated over years with training and experience.” — student Marti Smithsund

In her own words, more about Marti:

Why Edmonds CC? I attended the Project Management open house won the raffle, and when I picked up my prize months later, I met with and afterwards I talked to the instructor, Claudia Levi, and decided to enroll.

Biggest challenge It has been more than 20 years since my first college graduation and returning to school was an act of faith.

Best college experience This adventure has been a rocket booster: an infusion of new ideas, a freshening of skills and, what I had not anticipated — a renewal.

Advice for students Even if you’re not sure what your academic goals are, you can be confident that action and momentum will lead to something worthwhile. This has been far truer than I ever imagined. And so very much fun!

What’s next? Find a job in project management, keep learning, and continue the adventure.

Alumna "Smartest Girl in Washington"

Edmonds Community College alumna Kayla Heard was featured in the article "Hood Canal Students Interview the Smartest Girl in Washington," in the Kitsap Sun.

At age 16, Kayla is Washington State University's youngest graduate ever. She earned her social sciences degree via WSU Online. She was just 14 when she earned her Associate of Arts online at Edmonds Community College.

Alumna "Aging with Gusto"

Edmonds Community College alumna and Edmonds artist Joyeanna Chaudiere was featured in the Edmonds Beacon article "Aging With Gusto — Joyeanna Chaudiere".

“I really believe in life long learning. I’m always taking classes. I think I’ve taken every art class that Edmonds Community College has to offer.”— Joyeanna Chaudiere in the Edmonds Beacon

Joyeanna has been taking classes at the college since it opened in 1967. In addition, to taking business and art classes, she has participated in study abroad programs. She studied French literature and art in Paris and explored London. She also was one of the college’s oldest study abroad students, at age 72, when she traveled to Florence, Italy to study.