Harris County Judge Edward M. Emmett addressed Lone Star College-University Park graduates and their families and friends during the 2016 commencement ceremony on Friday, May 13.

The event was held at Champion Forest Baptist Church, 15555 Stuebner Airline Road in Houston.

LSC-University Park President Shah Ardalan presided over the ceremony.

"Judge Emmett's work affects our community members' lives every day," Ardalan said. "We are honored that he spoke to our graduates and helped us celebrate this wonderful achievement in their lives."

Lone Star College Chancellor Stephen C. Head and Trustees Ken Lloyd and Bob Wolfe participated in the ceremony, along with Vice Chancellors Jimmy Martin and Link Alander.

LSC-University Park, the newest of the six Lone Star Colleges, enrolled more than 11,500 students in degree and certificate programs this spring. 

This year's ceremony was the rapidly growing college's third - and each year, the event has moved to a larger venue. The total number of graduates represents more than a 50 percent increase over 2014-2015.

For the 2015-2016 academic year, 596 students have either graduated or applied for summer graduation. Of those, 147 walked across the stage on Friday.

Those recognized during the ceremony included Ozair Iyoob, 18, who earned both his associate degree and his high school diploma from iSchool High at University Park, and Von Surriga, who received a $1,000 scholarship in honor of Judge Emmett.