PORT ANGELES — One of the original dozen full-time faculty members at Peninsula College will speak to 2012 graduates during the college’s 50th commencement ceremony June 16.
The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. in the gym at the Port Angeles campus at 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
As of Friday, the college expected 426 graduates and 517 degrees and certificates, with more signing up in the next few days, said spokeswoman Phyllis Van Holland.
The keynote speaker, Professor Emeritus Phil Churchley, began teaching at Peninsula College when the doors opened in 1961 at the present site of Port Angeles High School.
He retired from the college in 1996 after a long career as a chemistry professor.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Portland (Ore.) State and his master’s degree in organic chemistry from Oregon State in 1963.
The student speaker will be Carol Reamer, who will graduate with two degrees in administrative office systems.
A member of the Makah tribe, she has commuted daily from Neah Bay.
She took 20 credits per quarter this year to complete two associate degrees in applied science and will continue her studies in the Bachelor of Applied Management program at Peninsula College.
