Class of 2015 is 1st to graduate on campus at new Glenn Massay Theater

American Sign Language interpreter Kathleen Bodalay signed the words spoken by Mat-Su College Director Talis Colberg Friday as he welcomed graduates and the community to the new Glenn Massay Theater for the 2015 commencement ceremony.

In past years, the college held its graduation at various Valley high schools.

Fran Ulmer, former lieutenant governor and University of Alaska Anchorage chancellor, was the keynote speaker.

Student speaker was Holly Rudder, who earned both dean’s list and chancellor’s list academic achievements while working full-time and raising three children, ages 1, 6 and 7. Nearly 180 degrees, certificates and occupational endorsements were awarded May 8.

Before the ceremony began, parents and kids alike left their seats to walk to the stage and look down into the orchestra pit to see the Mat-Su Concert Band.

The band performs its annual Mother's Day Concert at 4 p.m., today in the Glenn Massay Theater at Mat-Su College.