Alicia RobinsonBlinding sunlight burst through an overcast...

Alicia Robinson

Blinding sunlight burst through an overcast sky Thursday afternoon

just in time for Orange Coast College’s 56th annual commencement

ceremony at the Pacific Amphitheater.

Students sat in navy, polyester gowns under the beating sun, many

beaming with joy regardless of the heat.

“Since this is my first graduation in my whole life,” said Afshin

Penkoski, 31, before receiving a certificate in mathematics and an

associates degree. “I’m excited. It’s a different feeling. It’s a

combination of pride and happiness.”

The class of 2004 earned the school’s largest number of associates

degrees ever, with 1,524 of the 2,015 graduating students receiving

associate of arts degrees, OCC President Gene Farrell said. The other

491 students received certificates of achievement in various areas of

study.

Thousands came out to see about 600 graduates accept their degrees

or certificates, said Kristin Clark, OCC’s director of admissions and

records.

Many of the OCC graduates have been out of high school for some

time and were more than ready to get their degrees.

“It’s about damn time, considering I did it a little late in

life,” said Joseph Marquez, 33. He received an associates degree in

electrical engineering and already was working in the field.

“Eventually I’ve got to get my bachelor’s degree, but that’s another

story. I’m going to take a break for awhile.”

The friends and families of graduates were a raucous and

exhilarated crowd, whistling and whooping when their loved ones’

names were called.

Estela Ramirez had flowers and balloons for her daughter, Nancy,

who got an associates degree in political science.

“She’s the first in the entire family that has gone this far,”

Ramirez said, adding that Nancy plans to continue her studies and has

already been accepted at Chapman University.

The day was very special to Annamarie Aqueveque, who was there to

see her daughter, Stephanie, graduate. Holding a large bouquet of red

and white roses, Aqueveque said she’s proud of Stephanie for earning

an associate of arts degree.

“She wants to be a biologist,” Aqueveque said.

Bill Barkley came all the way from Riverside to see Michelle

Williams, his friend of more than 20 years, get her associates degree

and a certificate in cardiovascular technology.

“The last graduation I attended was my own,” he said. “I wouldn’t

miss this for the world.”

* ALICIA ROBINSON covers business, politics and the environment.

She may be reached at (949) 764-4330.