Message from President Frank Chong

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On behalf of the Peralta Colleges Board of Trustees, Chancellor Elihu Harris and the faculty staff and administrators of Laney College, it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you to the 2009 Laney College Commencement Exercises.

We gather today in a time-honored ceremony to recognize your academic achievements, and share the joy of your accomplishments with family, friends, colleagues and the community. Congratulations to the Class of 2009; every one of you is a rising star.

You are leaving Laney College at a daunting, yet exciting time of peril and possibility, at a unique moment in history. Our new U.S. president, Barack Obama, has challenged this generation to step up to meet the challenges of the 21st century with a renewed commitment to diversity, education and personal responsibility.

We know that you will answer that call and meet those challenges. You are entering a world with pressing needs in terms of the environment, the economy, eradication of poverty and restoration of hope. It is a world that cries out for new ideas, new energy and new approaches to old problems.

Those of us who taught you, mentored you, encouraged you and supported you know that your time has come. As you go forth, we are confident that you will become the change that we want to see in the world.

Read commencement speeches by College President Frank Chong and Associated Students of Laney College Student President Ray Henderson.

View graduation photos.

Laney faculty member Burt Dragin and philanthropist Bill Somerville receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Community Service Award, respectively.

See brief bios on Valedictorian Adam Stein, Salutatorian Femi Osibin and other rising stars like Dalvin Butler, Jose Guzman, Haimet Kassaye and Xing Hua Wu.

See ASLC President by Ray Handerson’s speech