HUNTINGTON BEACH : College Chief to Lead Her Last Graduation
Judith Valles, president of Golden West College, will preside over her last graduation ceremony today as about 700 people are awarded degrees.
Valles, who is retiring, has been president of the college since 1988. She is scheduled to leave the campus later this summer. Her successor has not yet been appointed.
Valles noted that she is “leaving Golden West College at a critical time” for education in California because of funding cutbacks. But, she said, “a real test for excellence is creativity and resourcefulness during times of crisis. Golden West College has been through tough times before. It is positioned for greatness and leadership in the state.”
Valles said that during retirement she will serve as a trustee of San Bernardino Valley College, where she was an administrator before coming to Golden West.
The graduation ceremonies, at 6 p.m. in the Central Quad, include presentation of certificates of achievement to about 200 people. Yvonne Hernandez of Huntington Beach will receive the 1993 R. Dudley Boyce Outstanding Student Award. The college’s Outstanding Citizen Award will be presented to community leader and cable-television personality Elaine Craft of Huntington Beach.
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