Lone Star College-University Park President Shah Ardalan, left, and Dr. Alton Smith, center, present a $1,000 scholarship to LSC-University Park student Zalma Cruz, right at the 2017 commencement ceremony on May 12.

Over 200 Lone Star College-University Park graduates received diplomas at the 2017 commencement ceremony Friday, May 12, at the Champion Forest Baptist Church in Houston.

LSC-University Park, one of the six Lone Star Colleges, enrolled more than 12,000 students in degree and certificate programs in spring 2017.

For the 2016-2017 academic year, 742 students have now graduated or applied for summer 2017 graduation. Of those, 241 proudly walked across the stage at the 2017 commencement ceremony.

“Our goal is to provide as many students as we can with the means and support to be successful,” said LSC-University Park President Shah Ardalan. “This commencement ceremony is a recognition and celebration of the achievements of our students and the positive impact LSC-University Park continues to have on our community.”

The ceremony highlighted the achievements of LSC-University Park graduates, as well as graduates from the college’s General Education Development (GED) program and included scholarship awards for several students.

Through LSC-University Park’s partnership with iSchool High and Klein ISD to provide dual credit opportunities to high school students, 20 students graduated with both high school diplomas and associate degrees.

Dr. Alton Smith, Lone Star College Board of Trustees Chair addressed the graduating students as the Commencement Speaker.

“This is a great honor,” said Dr. Smith. “At Lone Star College, we believe in providing the necessary tools to the students in our service area regardless of race, sexual identity or any other factor of life. Come to us and we guarantee we will provide you with the tools to be successful.” 

In honor of his dedication and belief in higher education, President Ardalan awarded a $1,000 scholarship in Dr. Smith’s name to Zalma Cruz, a LSC-University Park student.

“Zalma is an outstanding example of our student body and also a Klein ISD graduate,” said President Ardalan. “Zalma will be the first to tell you that completing her education has always been a top priority.”

Morgan Sheffield and Oscar Alexis Perez, graduates from LSC-University Park’s General Education Development (GED) program, were also each awarded a $500 tuition scholarship to attend LSC-University Park to continue their educations.

As well, Karina Cabrera, President of the Student Government Association, received a Scholarship Award for the honor of Exemplary Student Leadership.

“I feel thoroughly blessed that life led me to be a part of this family-like institution, and that I had the opportunity to engage and network with such a wonderful and diverse community,” Cabrera said.

LSC-University Park continues to be the model innovative college and remains committed to helping students unlock their potential and fostering community.

Picture yourself at LSC-University Park! Registration is open now for the fall semester, which begins Aug. 28. For more information, please visit LoneStar.edu/Registration.