Graduates were asked the question of a lifetime at Fresno Pacific University's fall commencement December 15.
"Who Are You on Your Way to Becoming?" was the title of the graduation speech by Beto Gonzalez. Finding and sharing the answer in ways that help others was the charge Gonzalez presented the students.
"Today you are a reflection of the mission, vision, commission and values of Fresno Pacific University," he told about 180 graduates in the Special Events Center. "What's next?"
Ceremonies began at 7:00 p.m., following a reception for graduates, families and friends in Steinert Campus Center. Just over 100 students received bachelor's degrees through degree completion programs, 55 through traditional undergraduate programs and 20 earned master's degrees.
It's normal to be nervous on such an important evening, Gonzalez said. Though classes and examinations are over, life has just begun. "We are expecting many more accomplishments to come," he said.
But success is a journey, not a destination. "You need to ask yourself every day of your life - who am I on the way to becoming?" Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez has become many things in his life. Now superintendent of Temple (Texas) Independent School District and recently an administrator with the U.S. Department of Education, he was born into a family of farm workers and spent his early life migrating annually from California to Nebraska. The Bakersfield native earned bachelor's and master's degrees from California State University, Bakersfield.
Earlier in his career, Gonzalez was dean of students and student services at Bakersfield College and adjunct faculty in the FPU School of Education. He has also taught English literature, English as a second language and Spanish at Wasco High School and at Centennial High School in Bakersfield.
Several graduates were honored for what they became while students. Lynn Davis-Wyatt, Cynthia Sowell and Jhason Wint earned distinguished service awards. Posthumous degrees went to Norma Gutierrez and Floyd Wells. The invocation was given by Lisa Benevidez, M.A. graduate. Francisco Brian Milian, B.A. graduate, and his father, Luis Milian, read the Scripture.