PORT ANGELES — State Rep. Steve Tharinger will be the keynote speaker at Peninsula College’s 54th commencement ceremony Saturday.
The college will award more than 500 degrees and certificates to graduates.
The commencement ceremony will be in the college gymnasium on the main campus in Port Angeles, 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd., beginning at 2 p.m.
Guests are advised to arrive early. The doors will open at 1 p.m., and admission is limited to those with tickets.
Should the gymnasium fill, overflow seating will be available in Room A-12 with a video stream of the event.
For family or friends who are unable to attend the ceremony but would like to be a part of the occasion, the college will provide a live video stream.
The Internet telecast will be available at the Peninsula College website on UStream at www.ustream.tv/channel/peninsula-college.
A reception will immediately follow the ceremony at the PUB on campus. The Peninsula College Jazz Ensemble’s David Jones Trio will perform.
Keynote speaker
Tharinger, a Sequim Democrat, represents the 24th Legislative District, which covers Clallam and Jefferson counties and part of Grays Harbor County.
Tharinger has served as a state representative for six years. He was a Clallam County commissioner prior to being elected to the seat for the first time.
He serves on the appropriations, finance and health care and wellness legislative committees.
Student speaker
The student speaker will be Mia Steben of Sequim.
Steben is a Running Start senior at Sequim High School and the director of clubs and organizations on the Associated Student Council at Peninsula College.
She said it “is an honor and privilege to represent Peninsula College’s class of 2016.
“Peninsula College has fostered educational excellence, unforgettable experiences and lifelong friendships,” Steben said.
“I hope that students look back and remember my speech as one of inspiration and encouragement for their future journey.”
Steben plans to study business at Western Washington University.
She is part of the college’s Honors Program and has served as a member of the Honors Club and Phi Beta Lambda, a club for students studying business.
Student speakers are nominated and voted on by the Student Affairs Committee.
For more information, contact Rick Ross at rross@pencol.edu.