GateWay Community College will confer certificates and associates degrees to approximately 250 students at its commencement ceremony, from 6:45 to 8 p.m., May 10, at the North Phoenix Baptist Church, in Phoenix.
For the first time in GateWay’s history, an international student has been chosen to be the graduation speaker.
Dajana Zlaticanin, a political science major who is originally from Montenegro, will be graduating with honors and was nominated and selected by the Commencement Committee, which is made up of faculty and staff, to address her peers.
“As an international student in this country, I had to go through a huge cultural shock. I had to overcome the language barrier, different lifestyle and different schools,” said Zlaticanin. “But I took advantage of all the opportunities that came my way and did not take anything for granted.”
During her time at GateWay, she was involved in student life, giving back to the community and activities. She served as the president of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, held appointments on student clubs, such as the World Explorers Club, was a member of Student Government, was a PEER Mentor for new students and worked part-time in the Enrollment Services Center at GateWay.
Zlaticanin also was selected to be part of the 2013 Fiesta Bowl Court, which netted her a scholarship to help pay for spring semester.
Her message to fellow graduates?
“You are never too old for learning, never too old for dreaming and making those dreams come true,” said Zlaticanin.
She plans to transfer to Arizona State University in the fall.
In addition to Zlaticanin, outstanding students like Robel Okbe and Jorge Prieto will also be recognized during the ceremony. Both were named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s All-Arizona Academic Team in February. Okbe is from Eritrea in Africa and Prieto was born in Cuba and raised in Costa Rico.
One of GateWay’s graduates includes a student from the GateWay Early College High School. Eduardo Trujillo will receive their associate degrees before they graduate from high school in late May.
“Eduardo is the first in his family to graduate from high school or college, and it was his goal to graduate with both when he started as a freshman,“ said Principal Lisa Smith.
While the families of some of these students will not be able to make the trip to see them walk across the stage, they will be able to view the ceremony via a live web stream from GateWay’s website.
For information, visit www.gatewaycc.edu.