EL RENO— Redlands Community College recently celebrated the graduation of over 250 students during its commencement ceremony that included a keynote address from college alumni Christian Wassana, actor and founder of the I am, I can, I will movement.
“We are proud of these graduates who have demonstrated the dedication and drive that will serve them well in the future,” said Redlands President Jena Marr. “ Christian Wassana is one of those students who earned a degree here and then pursued a bachelor’s degree at OU before embarking on an incredible career.”
Wassana, a proud member of the Cheyenne Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma and a graduate of El Reno High School, has spent the past few years working in television and film as an actor and director’s assistant. His current project is the hit Paramount Networks series “Yellowstone.” He is also the founder and owner of the I am, I can, I will movement where he uses his motivational talents as a tool to reach and impact the lives of youth and communities.
“I take so much pride in my community, my people and my town,” Wassana said. “Five years ago I sat in these seats and to see all of you graduating and to be in this atmosphere of success brings me such joy and so much happiness.”
Over 50 of the students graduated with more than one degree or certificate. Carlie Golden, Calumet, graduated summa cum laude with an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Certificate of Mastery in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement. With plans to double major in Forensic Science Investigation and Criminal Justice at the University of Central Oklahoma, Golden believes Redlands has prepared her well for the next phase of her education.
“I have had a wonderful time at Redlands connecting with other students and the teachers,” Golden said. “I especially loved getting to become friends with Dr. Julie and having great mentors like Julie Lamb and Debbie Newberry.”
A college degree is a significant investment of time and money, and although Redlands hasn’t increased tuition in several years, many students work hard to save money and apply for scholarships to be able to earn their degree with very little to no debt.
While the graduates are ready to take the next step in their education or careers, many of them leave Redlands with fond memories of faculty, staff and courses.
“My experience was the best. Everyone treated people with kindness and respect,” said Virginia Hartfield, Watonga, who completed a Certificate of Mastery in Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement.
Binger Eli Bilyeu, Associate in Arts Christy Harris, Certificate of Mastery Brenda Lisenbery, Associate in Arts Vicki Metz, Certificate of Mastery Taylor Westervelt, Associate in Arts/Certificate of Mastery Kolton White, Associate in Arts Calumet Austin Arnold, Associate in Arts Allie Harris, Associate in Arts McKinley Stilley, Associate in Arts Canton Hailie Ibarra, Associate in Arts Samantha McEachern, Associate in Arts Hinton Natalie Calzada, Certificate of Mastery Hollie Skinner, Associate in Arts/Certificate of Mastery Hydro Cynthia De Leon, Certificate of Mastery Macey Kimble, Associate in Applied Science Lookeba Brian Schimmel, Associate in Arts Okarche Payton Kerby, Associate in Arts Abigail McIlvain, Associate in Arts Bryce Reese, Associate in Science/Certificate of Mastery/Associate in Science/Certificate of Mastery Harlie Smith, Associate in Arts Thomas Brian Jones, Associate in Science/Certificate of Mastery Watonga Virginia Hartfield, Certificate of Mastery.