College of Desert graduation set for Friday

Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Palm Desert, will give thecommencement address at College of the Desert’s graduation ceremony on Friday,the college announced today.

Commencement is 7:30 p.m. at COD’s Boone Field. More than 700 studentsare eligible to participate and about 300 are expected to do so. Students whoearned certificates can also participate and will be recognized at commencementfor the first time, according to college officials.

“I look forward to joining the graduates and their families as theycelebrate this landmark day for the Coachella Valley,” Ruiz said.

Student speakers will be Deborah Suer and Shi Tang.

Suer will receive an associate’s degree in liberal arts, humanities andcommunication. Last year, she earned an associate’s in alcohol and drugstudies. She was also picked to represent COD in the All-California AcademicTeam, and the College of the Desert Foundation paid for her to attend PresidentBarack Obama’s inauguration in January.

Tang, who is from China, enrolled in COD’s Intensive English Academy andis working to earn a degree in chemistry. He received English tutoring andlater worked for COD’s Tutoring and Academic Skills Center. He plans transferto a university to pursue a medical degree.

A reception will be held in COD’s Wright Gymnasium after the ceremony.