Svonkin Receives Associate’s Degree at PCC’s 91st Commencement

Scott Svonkin, president of the Los Angeles Community College District Board of Trustees, receives his associate’s degree at Pasadena City College (PCC) this week, almost 30 years after earning his bachelor’s degree.

“This degree means the world to me because Pasadena City College helped me get to where I am today,” said Svonkin, who dropped out of high school before enrolling in community college and transferring to California State University at Northridge. “It’s never too late to complete your college education.”

Svonkin’s roots in public service and, in particular, education, took root at PCC where he served two terms as the student member of the Pasadena City College Board of Trustees before going on to CSUN. Before his election to the LACCD board, he served on the San Gabriel Unified School District Board.

In addition, Svonkin was appointed to a three-year term on the College Promise Advisory Board by President Obama. America’s College Promise Act is the president’s plan to provide college tuition and fees for qualified community college students. The board was convened to lend its expertise and work with communities to understand the value of an educated workforce and citizenry and is led by Second Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, Ed.D.

“I think this degree is even more special because I can personally relate to the value of a community college education,” said Svonkin. “We know a high school diploma is not enough to allow Americans to find a good job and earn a salary that will provide a decent quality of life,” said Svonkin. “The LACCD board is focused on helping our high school graduates receive a high quality education tuition free at a community college. The associates degree or certificate they earn will allow them to transfer to a four year university or step into the job market with valued skills.”

The Los Angeles Community College District, the nation’s largest community college district, serves one-quarter million students a year in more than 36 cities in Los Angeles County at its nine colleges. The District covers nearly 900 square miles and has educated and trained the region’s diverse workforce since 1969.