IRVINE, CA--(Marketwired - Aug 5, 2014) - Stanbridge College, a technical college that offers Masters, Bachelor, and Associate of Science degrees and diploma programs in Allied Health and Information Technology, hosted its 2014 Commencement Exercises awarding diplomas and degrees to over 300 Vocational Nurse, Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), Hemodialysis Technician, Information Technology and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduates. The ceremony featured an inspirational keynote address by Dr. Yvonne Cagle, M.D. Ph.D (Colonel, U.S. Air Force, RET.) Astronaut, Space and Life Sciences Directorate at NASA Corps. Mr. Mike Schlappi, four-time Paralympic medalist in USA Men's Wheelchair Basketball was the guest speaker. The ceremony marked the inaugural class of the PTA and Bachelor of Science in Information Technology programs at the college.
To begin the ceremony, the Camp Pendleton Marine Headquarters Regiment Color Guard presented the American flag as 2014 Nursing graduate, Ms. Cherish Nunnally sang the National Anthem.
Throughout the event, graduates were celebrated for their achievements and encouraged to take initiative for the next stage of their lives.
President of Stanbridge College, Mr. Yasith Weerasuriya inspired the students to "embrace change." Mr. Weerasuriya advised, "Strive to be a force for good and to help your fellow man. That is what you will remember at the end of your journey in life."
In her keynote address, Dr. Yvonne Cagle inspired graduates to reach for the stars and that "possibility is endless" as she described her work in multi-sensor vital signs, fully synthetic human bodies that may one day replace wheelchairs, bio-capsules that can sense metabolic disturbances and deliver medicine, stem cell research, and nutrition.
Mr. Mike Schlappi, expanding upon the theme, explained how losing the use of his legs in a childhood accident motivated him to do more with his life. Overcoming this challenge lead him to accomplish goals he never dreamed of, including becoming the only wheelchair basketball player in the United States to be a member of the past four Paralympic teams.
Mr. Schlappi explained, "I promised myself one day I would never let thoughts, my dreams, or my future atrophy. In life if we resist change, we fail. If you accept change we survive. If we create change, we succeed."
Ms. Kris Kline, one of the Vocational Nursing valedictorians, gave the student commencement address and commended her fellow graduates for their persistence and academic achievement.
Ms. Kline stated, "I remember one particular day in class when [my instructor] asked if there was anyone who didn't have problems going on [or] issues in their life. No one raised his or her hand. That moment [...] gave me perspective. We all had a reason to quit or an excuse to not do our best. But those before you today showed courage, stamina, and determination, through real blood, sweat, and tears to make it to the finish line, which we cross today."
Established in 1996, Stanbridge College offers training in Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Hemodialysis, Veterinary Technology and Information Technology. Earlier this year, the college launched an Associate of Science in Nursing and the first Master of Science in Occupational Therapy in Orange County. Stanbridge College offers a variety of degree and diploma programs online and on its campus in Irvine, California, to prepare students to sit for professional licensure exams. Currently, the college's Vocational Nursing program has a 92% six-year average NCLEX-PN exam pass rate from 2007 to 2013. Its OTA program has a 100% NBCOT-COTA exam pass rate in 2013, the highest in California.
To learn more about the Allied Health and IT degree programs at Stanbridge College and its community service activities, please visit www.stanbridge.edu.
About Stanbridge College
Based in Irvine, CA, Stanbridge College is a co-educational, technical college with an annual enrollment of over 1,200 students. Founded in 1996, Stanbridge is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Stanbridge College offers Master, Bachelor, and Associate of Science degrees and diploma programs in Allied Health and Information Technology.
In 2013, Stanbridge College received the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) Community Service Award Winner for outstanding outreach to its local and global community. For each year from 2009 through 2013, Stanbridge has been named to the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. Stanbridge College received an award from Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc., as one of America's Best Technical Colleges for each year from 2009 through 2013. In 2008-2009 Stanbridge College was the recipient of the School of Excellence Award from the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). In 2013 Stanbridge College OTA graduates achieved a 100% NBCOT-COTA exam pass rate, the highest in California. From 2007-2013, its Vocational Nursing graduates achieved a 92% NCLEX-PN pass rate and in 2013 its Hemodialysis Technician students achieved a 92% CDC CHT exam pass rate. For more information, please visit www.stanbridge.edu or call (949) 794-9090.
Contact Information:
Victoria Sauer
Media & Communications Officer
949-794-9090, extension 5139