STUDENT SUCCESS FEATURED AS PART OF 32nd UCCS COMMENCMENT<\/p>\n
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO More than 1,000 students will participate in 32nd Commencement exercises at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs May 19.<\/p>\n
The class of 2006 is the largest single class in university history with 1,712 total candidates for degrees from Summer 2005, December 2005 and May 2006 semesters eligible to participate. <\/p>\n
Commencement ceremonies for undergraduates will begin at 9:30 a.m. May 19 at the World Arena, I-25 and Lake Avenue, Colorado Springs. At 2 p.m. May 19 at the World Arena, students who received advanced degrees master’s and Ph.D. will participate in commencement ceremonies.<\/p>\n
UCCS Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak will provide the commencement address. CU President Hank Brown will offer remarks. Members of the CU Board of Regents will also attend and will present Thomas James, a Colorado Springs attorney, with the University Medal. The University Medal is awarded to a community member in recognition of service to the university.<\/p>\n
Selected features about the members of the Class of 2006 follow.<\/p>\n
WOMAN FLEES OPRESSION, PURSUES EDUCATION<\/p>\n
Born in Vietnam, Ngoan Truong worked with six brothers and sisters in a rice field after her father was captured during the Vietnam War. The money the children earned supported the family and bought food for their imprisoned father. <\/p>\n
Truong never knew a childhood. Instead, she learned early in life lessons of hard work and perseverance.<\/p>\n
1993, at age 25, she immigrated to Colorado Springs. She took a job washing dishes at a local restaurant and enrolled in English courses at Pikes Peak Community College. Later, she became an electronics assembler and enrolled at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.<\/p>\n
Friday, she will receive a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and has her sights set on an advanced degree.<\/p>\n
“Hard work is the chance to make a better future,” Truong said. “If you work hard you get what you want.”<\/p>\n
FATHER-SON TEAM ACHIEVE EDUCATION GOALS<\/p>\n
Bob Deemer never wanted to be ordinary. <\/p>\n
He’s not.<\/p>\n
The “fifty-something” graduate will complete his twelfth college degree May 19 and will take a seat next to son, Greg, who is earning his first, at the 32nd Commencement exercises of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.<\/p>\n
A local engineering consultant, Bob Deemer will earn a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion. Greg Deemer will earn a degree in computer science.<\/p>\n
For the elder Deemer, earning a college degree is not a new experience. He holds a master’s in business administration and a bachelor’s in English from schools in California as well as numerous associates degrees and certificates in technical fields.<\/p>\n
“I am lucky that I enjoy school,” Bob Deemer said. “There is so much to learn in life and to limit your options is a mistake.” <\/p>\n
That philosophy was demonstrated as the two men studied and carpooled, developing a true mentoring relationship. On Friday, the connection will continue. While representing different colleges, the duo will sit together.<\/p>\n
“My dad kept me on track,” Greg Deemer said. “His experiences opened doors for me, including an internship. I have some big shoes to fill.”<\/p>\n
Getting to attend college with your child is a unique experience that the elder Deemer valued as well.<\/p>\n
“Knowing that he is somewhere on campus when I am, even if I don’t see him, gave me a sense of camaraderie.”<\/p>\n
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT NO HANDICAP<\/p>\n
George McDermith is truly differently-abled.<\/p>\n
Blind since 13, McDermith completed high school at the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind. But not before taking classes at Palmer High School and deciding that a college degree was vital to his future success and independence.<\/p>\n
On Friday, McDermith will complete a master’s degree in education, his second degree from UCCS. In 2003, he completed a bachelor’s degree in political science. He lived independently in UCCS campus housing during his undergraduate days and was active in a number of campus organizations, including student government and serving as a member of a panel that heard appeals from students who received parking tickets.<\/p>\n
His service on the parking board was met with skepticism until McDermith explained that he didn’t need sight to comprehend an argument. His enrollment in a physics course was also groundbreaking as a veteran professor traced drawings previously only shown on a chalkboard onto McDermith’s palm. He passed the course with flying colors an A — and both learned from the experience. McDermith later took astronomy from the same professor.<\/p>\n
“He’s such an amazing student,” Tom Christensen, professor, Physics, and dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, said. <\/p>\n
McDermith feels a higher calling for his future. He is engaged to be married and will apply for acceptance for theological training as an Episcopal priest.<\/p>\n
“This is a very big event in our lives,” Susan Stewart, McDermith’s mother, said. “Never in a million years did I imagine he would be getting his master’s degree. I thought he’d end up disabled versus a fully-abled’ body.”<\/p>\n
UCCS, located on Austin Bluffs Parkway in northeast Colorado Springs, is the fastest growing university in Colorado and one of the fastest growing universities in the nation. The university offers 25 bachelor’s degrees, 18 master’s and two doctoral degrees. The campus enrolls about 7,800 students annually<\/p>\n
UCCS<\/p>\n
1420 Austin Bluffs Parkway i P.O. Box 7150 i Colorado Springs CO i 80933-7150<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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