My daughter-in-law Anastasia was one of 550 graduates tonight at Renton Technical College’s summer commencement ceremony. The college held the event at Kent’s new, comfortable and attractive ShoWare Center, just north of the Justice Center.
The ceremony was beautiful and well organized, and it was inspiring (as always) to see so many graduates just launching their careers in life. Our own Fire Chief David Daniels was the keynote speaker, and gave them encouraging words about enjoying their own journeys in life. He also shared some history about his own background.
Anastasia has made far more friends at the college than I can ever keep track of, including numerous teachers and other staff. I managed to get a few telephoto shots as Anastasia received her diploma with a hug for her teacher, proceeded across the stage and down the stairs, and greeted President Bressler with a hug instead of the handshake he offered to her. Unfotunately, this shot was blurry as the light was too low for my camera setting.
I also included pictures from the student keynote speaker, the staff in attendance, and many of the college foundation members (right front row) who have had a record-breaking fundraising year for the college.
Rich Zwicker was seated with the foundation members, as he was both a trustee and a foundation member before his resignation last night from the board of trustees. Frank Irigon represented the board of trustees..
There was a bitter-sweet feel to the event tonight for many, as much of the community is feeling blue about losing our president, many foundation members are preparing resignation letters, many former donors and benefactors are feeling stung, and rumors (many probably false) have been circulating wildly around campus about changes that are coming.
Still, tonight was about celebrating with the graduates, and celebrate we did!
