Cheers ring out for 2023 commencement at Los Angeles Mission College in Sylmar

Los Angeles Mission College held its 48th annual commencement on Tuesday, June 6 for 778 students at the campus in Sylmar. While many officials and notables spoke, the big cheers went to those who worked closely with the students, or were students themselves.

Under a gray sky that decided not to become drizzle, the crowd roared for Academic Senate President Carola Akl, Associated Student Organization President Alix Rodriguez, Valedictorian Daniel Wyatt and Salutatorian Edelberto Rodriguezrobles.

California state Assemblymember Luz Rivas gave the commencement address at the morning event.

Los Angeles Mission College President Armida Ornelas speaks during the college's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates listen to speakers during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Community College District ChancellorFrancisco Rodriguez speaks during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates walk past family and friends during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Valedictorian Daniel Wyatt speaks during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Spectators watch the Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates wait to receive their degrees during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates make their way to their seats during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates listen to speakers during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Assemblywoman Luz Rivas speaks during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates participate in Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates wait to receive their degrees during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates listen to speakers during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates listen to speakers during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates listen to speakers during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates wait during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates listen to speakers during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates make their way to their seats during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates wait to receive their degrees during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Spectators wave to graduates during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Graduates listen to speakers during Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Family and friends attended Los Angeles Mission College's 48th annual commencement ceremony at the the school's Sylmar campus, June 6 2023. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

One commencement tradition followed by Mission College is the carrying of a ceremonial baton called a mace, by an honored participant who begins the processional. This year it was carried by Robert Parker, the college's vice president of administrative services, who is retiring at the end of this semester and got loud applause from the crowd.

The college was founded in February 1975 as the ninth college in the Los Angeles Community College District (bit.ly/45IigUH). Classes were held at a variety of venues until 1991 when the permanent campus built on 22 acres was completed in Sylmar. The college acquired 11 more acres in 2007.

For family and friends who were unable to attend, the ceremony was streamed on YouTube: bit.ly/42oUREJ

Fun facts: The college mascot is the eagle; school colors are desert blue and silver; the motto is "Our Mission Is Your Success."

Los Angeles Mission College, 13356 Eldridge Ave., Sylmar. 818-364-7600. www.facebook.com/lamissioncollege. www.lamission.edu/

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