Kilmer is Keynote Speaker at P.C. Commencement
Peninsula College will observe its 52nd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 14, when it awards more than 500 degrees and certificates to graduates.
Commencement exercises are held in the college gymnasium on the main campus in Port Angeles, beginning at 2 p.m. A reception immediately follows.
The commencement keynote speaker is U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer of Washington’s 6th Congressional District and the student speaker is Grace Tulsi Marshall of Port Angeles.
Kilmer was elected as a representative in November 2012. He served as a member of the Washington House of Representatives from 2005-2007 and as a member of the Washington State Senate from 2007-2012, representing the 26th District.
Born and raised in Port Angeles, Kilmer earned his bachelor of arts degree in public affairs from Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs and went on to obtain his doctorate in Comparative Social Policy from the University of Oxford in England.
Prior to his election, Kilmer served as a business consultant for McKinsey & Company and as vice president for the Economic Development Board for Tacoma-Pierce County. He also was a trustee of Tacoma Community College and served on the boards of Communities in Schools and the Peninsula Schools Education Foundation.
Marshall will graduate with an Associate of Arts Degree and plans to major in engineering and minor in environmental science. She currently has a 4.0 grade-point average.
“I have learned so much during my time at Peninsula College and commencement is a time where students, faculty, staff and administration all come together with members of the community to celebrate the accomplishments of so many students,” Marshall said. “I have overcome extreme hardships in my life to get to where I am now and I hope to share words of encouragement and inspiration with my fellow graduates.”
The Port Angeles High School Orchestra performs before and during the ceremony and members of the P.C. Jazz Ensemble perform at the reception in the PUB following commencement.
Guests are advised to arrive early. The doors open at 1 p.m. Should the gymnasium fill, overflow seating is available in room A-12 with a video stream of the event.
For family or friends unable to attend the ceremony but who would like to be a part of the occasion, the college provides a live video stream.