Portantino to Be PCC Commencement Speaker

PASADENA — State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino of La Cañada Flintridge will deliver the commencement address Friday night when Pasadena City College presents its latest graduating class in Robinson Stadium.

Portantino serves as chair of the Assembly Higher Education Committee. Prior to being elected to the state Assembly, he served seven-and-a-half years on the La Cañada Flintridge City Council, including two terms as mayor, and served as a former member of the PCC Bond Oversight Committee.

Retiring Pasadena City College President Dr. James Kossler will welcome guests to the college. Dr. Kossler will be leaving PCC after 12 years as college president and 19 years overall.

DanDan Zhang will represent the 16 summa cum laude honorees and give the valedictory address.

Music for the commencement ceremony will be performed by the PCC Jazz Rock Big Band and by the PCC Concert Band conducted by Dr. James Arnwine, dean of the Performing and Communication Arts division. The PCC Marching Percussion Ensemble will lead the parade of graduates.

After the ceremony, graduates and friends will gather in the Campus Quad for music, food, and many photo opportunities. The public is welcome to attend the commencement. Parking will be free in all the major lots on campus. PCC is located at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd.