Bates celebrates graduates at commencement ceremony

Bates Technical College will honor and celebrate its graduates at the commencement ceremony held in the exhibition hall of the Tacoma Dome on Thursday, May 19 at 6 p.m. Liz Dunbar, executive director of Tacoma Community House, will deliver the keynote address, and Administrative Office Assistant graduate Kaylee Clark will serve as student speaker at the ceremony.

Dunbar has worked in the nonprofit and government sectors for more than 30 years, and is the former deputy secretary of Department of Social and Health Services. An active member of the community, Dunbar has served on numerous boards and committees, including LASCO Foundation, Associated Ministries, and American Leadership Forum. She is currently a trustee at Tacoma Community College.

Tacoma resident Clark, a 2009 graduate of Bates’ Technical High School, is a second-generation graduate of the Administrative Office Assistant program, and is also the Associated Student Government President. She credits Bates with providing her with valuable leadership experience and the skills she needs to succeed as an administrative office professional.

Annually, more than 800 students complete their education at Bates and leave to begin careers throughout the year. On Thursday evening, approximately 200 graduates will return to celebrate their educational achievements and participate in the ceremony.

To learn more about the commencement ceremony, visit www.bates.ctc.edu/Commencement, or call 253.680.7000.