Donning of Mortar Boards Commences

It’s that time of year again: graduation season.

Southern California College of Optometry kicked off Orange County’s commencement exercises last Friday.

Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa will hold its 50th commencement ceremony May 28 in LeBard Stadium.

More than 2,000 students are expected to graduate at the ceremony, significantly more than the first graduating class of six.

Don K. Pierstorff, 1997-98 faculty member of the year, is the featured speaker at the commencement, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the stadium. Orange Coast College is at 2701 Fairview Road.

Cal State Fullerton’s 39th annual commencements will follow on May 30, May 31 and June 1. Tickets will be required to attend some of the graduations.

Former NBA basketball player Leon Wood, who graduated with a degree in physical education from Cal State Fullerton in 1984, will be the featured speaker at the School of Human Development and Community Service graduation, at 5 p.m. May 30. The public is welcome to attend.

Also, Rep. Edward R. Royce (R-Fullerton), who graduated from the university in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, will deliver the commencement address at the university’s School of Business Administration and Economics at 9 a.m. May 30. Only guests with tickets will be admitted.

The ceremonies will be in the Titan Sports Complex on campus, 800 N. State College Blvd.

Other college and university graduations countywide will take place later this month and most high school graduations are scheduled in June.