Community College » Convocation

Inaugural Convocation

On September 24, 2009 the UDC community marked an historic--and news-making--occasion with the inaugural convocation of the new Community College. Everything spoke to promise and potential--from the institution's logo (on pins, the website and a new PSA) to the vibe and emotions in the room.

Some stunning moments included: 

• student Avis Warley's moving story about getting a second chance at education and the career of her dreams
• Council Chair Vincent Gray's announcement that UDC had, at long last, won its procurement independence (thank you, Government Affairs!)
• two inspirationalsongs, exquisitely performed by students Gina Rose (Mariah Carey's "Hero") and Lauren Graham ("Home" from The Wiz) and, finally
• an extraordinary address by Jonathan Gueverra, CCDC's CEO, who shared the leadership lessons learned from his childhood (from studying hard to rescuing cows) to his vision for the school.

Quoting Nelson Mandela who said that "education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world," Gueverra called on students and faculty alike to free themselves from self-limitation and the old ways of doing business and channel the power of the opportunities the college offers.

Dr. Gueverra made additional history by disclosing he was launching a scholarship in honor of his wife who had asked him, as he debated whether or not to take this position, "if you don't do it, who will?" We thank them both for their prescience and commitment to the newest expression of our land-grant mission. Some brief snippets of the convocation, as well as a full video of the event, are below

Convocation Speech Transcript

The full transcript of Dr. Gueverra's Convocation speech.

Convocation Highlights Video

Full Convocation Video