Graduating students celebrated Commencement 2020 a little differently this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead of packing the ShoWare Center, where Commencement is usually held, the day started out with hundreds of graduates coming together at a safe distance to pick up their diploma covers on campus. Upon arriving at the Diploma Cover Drive-Thru event, graduates were greeted by faculty and staff honking their horns in celebration before they were gifted groceries by the Emergency Feeding Program. President John Mosby then personally congratulated each graduate while presenting them their diploma cover.

That evening families came together to watch virtual Commencement at home on June 11. Together, in heart, they celebrated the college’s 2020 Commencement ceremony.

Approximately 570 students of 1,388 students who graduated in the class of 2020 participated in the virtual Commencement ceremony.

Highline College faculty and staff congratulate graduates during the Diploma Cover Drive-Thru on June 11.

As is typical at other colleges and universities, students at Highline apply to graduate before all coursework has been completed. The college expects to award the following credentials for the 2019–20 academic year:

• 1,659: total number of credentials (degrees, certificates and diplomas); some students earned more than one credential
• 1,143: two-year degrees, including 674 associate of arts degrees, 169 associate of science, and 300 associate of applied science degrees
• 76: applied bachelor’s degrees
• 170: high school diplomas
• 37: GED diplomas

The 2020 graduating class reflects the diversity of the college campus. Here are a few facts:

• 17: age of youngest graduate
• 75: age of oldest graduate
• 53: veterans who used VA education benefits while attending college
• 208: number of immigrants
• 51: number of refugees
• 142: number of international students, representing 15 countries
• 60%: students of color (of the 1,388 students reporting their race/ethnicity)
• 65%: female graduates

One key component of Commencement each year is choosing a student speaker. While many apply, only one is selected. This year, Melissa O’day earned the honor.

O’day described the struggles she faced, including surviving a brain tumor and the loss of her grandmother, before coming to Highline College to attain her personal fitness trainer certificate at age 38.

Prior to that, she had pursued a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and a quarter of culinary school.

“It’s OK to change what you’re passionate about, even if it’s in the middle of life,” O’day said.

This year, a number of students earned top honors and achievements.

Asutosh Upreti and Hamse Igge were selected as this year’s All-Washington Academic Team members from Highline College.

All-Washington Academic Team

Asutosh Upreti and Hamse Igge earned statewide recognition and scholarships for their accomplishments as Highline College students this year.

The Des Moines and Kent residents were honored as members of the 2020 All-Washington Academic Team as part of their academic achievements.

Each of the state’s 34 community and technical colleges can nominate up to four students for the award, however, only the top two are chosen.

To qualify, students must apply for recognition and be members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Highest Scholastic Achievement Award

This year, 271 students graduated with honors with GPAs of 3.5 and above, and 7 of those had a perfect 4.0 GPA, qualifying them as Highest Scholastic Achievement scholars.

Highline College President John Mosby with ASHC President Mohamed Jama during the Diploma Cover Drive-Thru event.

The Highest Scholastic Achievement Award is presented each year to the graduating student — or students — who has attained the highest GPA and who has completed all degree requirements by the end of the spring quarter of the academic year of graduation. This year, those students are:

• Thu Ho
• Haein Lee
• Alicia Nguyen
• Stephanie Pangillinan
• Annie Tieu
• Tuan Tran
• Seth Williams

Honors Program Graduates

During the 2019–20 academic year, 11 students challenged themselves to graduate as Honors Scholars as part of their participation in Highline’s Honors Program. These students completed at least 25 to 30 honors option credits, depending upon their degree, all while maintaining a minimum 3.5 GPA. In addition, they showed their dedication to the campus community by serving as club and student government leaders, participating in service learning, and much more:

Student Legacy Awards

A number of students received recognition for high achievement (Legacy Scholar Awards) and contributions to campus programs, services and activities (Legacy Leader Awards). While some of these students are graduating this year, others will return.

2020 Legacy Leader Awards

2020 Legacy Scholar Awards