East to west, honors beyond life
By Yu Chung Sze "Eric"
Issue date: 6/9/10 Section: News
Three former students from Peninsula College, Duo Li, Chi Kan Cheung "Raymond" and Madeline Harris-Eckel will receive honorary degrees on June 12, the graduation day, in Peninsula College gym.
Normally, the college gives the honorary degree to a former student, member of the community, or someone outside the community, who does not have a degree from the college and whom the college wants to honor.
This year, PC wishes to use the honorary degree to recognize those three students who have worked diligently and tragically passed away before achieving their degrees.
Madeline died last June just before graduation, and Duo and Raymond died in an auto accident in December 2009.
PC Faculty, teachers and friends of the three students are pleased about Duo, 21, Raymond, 21, and Madeline will receive the honorary degrees.
Vice President of Instruction, Mary O'Neil-Garrett said, "Peninsula College values every student because each student is unique and?offers individual potential and promise to their respective communities.?Even as we accept the loss (of) these three students, we must also?celebrate their participation and contribution to Peninsula College and our community."
The faculty voted on honorary degrees via the Faculty Senate, the main faculty representative body on campus. Then, the Senate reviewed the nominations and made recommendations to the school president. And the College's Board of Trustees made the final decision.
"Paying tribute to Duo, Chi Kan and Madeline in this way is appropriate and hopefully their parents will take some comfort in knowing how much they impacted the lives of Peninsula College classmates, staff and faculty," said Glynda Schaad, English professor and the English Second Language ESL teacher of Duo.
"Faculty were very saddened in the past year to lose three very fine students before they received their degrees." Bruce Hattendorf, English professor, said. "All three were very deserving students and the campus community misses them."
"I think Duo and Raymond deserve to receive the honorary degree. They not only studied hard, but also care more of their families and friends rather than themselves," Yaness Cheung, a PC graduate international student and friend to Raymond and Duo.
Friend of Raymond, also an international student of PC, Sui Yee Cheng "Peony" indicated, "I am so thankful it seems to prove that Raymond has already completed his associate degree as this was one of his goals to achieve in the U.S."
Normally, the college gives the honorary degree to a former student, member of the community, or someone outside the community, who does not have a degree from the college and whom the college wants to honor.
This year, PC wishes to use the honorary degree to recognize those three students who have worked diligently and tragically passed away before achieving their degrees.
Madeline died last June just before graduation, and Duo and Raymond died in an auto accident in December 2009.
PC Faculty, teachers and friends of the three students are pleased about Duo, 21, Raymond, 21, and Madeline will receive the honorary degrees.
Vice President of Instruction, Mary O'Neil-Garrett said, "Peninsula College values every student because each student is unique and?offers individual potential and promise to their respective communities.?Even as we accept the loss (of) these three students, we must also?celebrate their participation and contribution to Peninsula College and our community."
The faculty voted on honorary degrees via the Faculty Senate, the main faculty representative body on campus. Then, the Senate reviewed the nominations and made recommendations to the school president. And the College's Board of Trustees made the final decision.
"Paying tribute to Duo, Chi Kan and Madeline in this way is appropriate and hopefully their parents will take some comfort in knowing how much they impacted the lives of Peninsula College classmates, staff and faculty," said Glynda Schaad, English professor and the English Second Language ESL teacher of Duo.
"Faculty were very saddened in the past year to lose three very fine students before they received their degrees." Bruce Hattendorf, English professor, said. "All three were very deserving students and the campus community misses them."
"I think Duo and Raymond deserve to receive the honorary degree. They not only studied hard, but also care more of their families and friends rather than themselves," Yaness Cheung, a PC graduate international student and friend to Raymond and Duo.
Friend of Raymond, also an international student of PC, Sui Yee Cheng "Peony" indicated, "I am so thankful it seems to prove that Raymond has already completed his associate degree as this was one of his goals to achieve in the U.S."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Rebecca Horst
posted 6/11/10 @ 9:32 PM PST
I'm sorry that Madeline was added to this article without any research. Maddy was 20. Madeline Harris Eckel more than earned the honor of receiving her degree. (Continued…)
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