PLATTSBURGH -- More than 249 graduates are eligible to receive associate degrees and certificates at Clinton Community College's spring commencement at 6 p.m. Friday in the William H. Forrence Center.

This year's graduating class has 17 students graduating cum laude (QPA 3.25 to 3.49), 12 students graduating magna cum laude (QPA 3.5 to 3.74) and seven students graduating summa cum laude (QPA 3.75 or above). Twenty-seven students are members of the Alpha Pi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Honor Society of the two-year college.

CEREMONY

The graduation processional will be led by Angela Barnaby, associate professor of math and science, carrying the ceremonial mace, accompanied by the Champlain District Bagpipe Band.

CCC Interim President Dr. Frederick Woodward will preside over the commencement.

Greetings will be extended by Nina D. Coolidge, chair of the CCC Board of Trustees; Clinton County Legislator Jackie Walker; and Susan Goff of the CCC Faculty Council.

Student Senate President Adam Scharf will address his fellow classmates, followed by the Class of 2008 valedictorian and student speaker, Jennifer Nicole Fenton.

Fenton, who is from AuSable Forks, graduates with an associate of arts degree in humanities and social science. The Class of 2008 salutatorian is Berton Arthur Pollack of Plattsburgh, who also graduates with an associate of arts degree in humanities and social science.

Music will be provided by the CCC College Chorale under the direction of Saundra Stortz, accompanied by pianist Meghan Riley.

TEACHING AWARD

This year's Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching is being presented to Susan Goff, associate professor of nursing and allied health.

She began her nursing teaching career in 1967 and joined Clinton Community College in 2002. Goff has held education positions at Plattsburgh State and the Clinton County Health Department and has worked at CVPH, several other hospitals and as school nurse in Hudson, Fla.

Goff is licensed as a registered nurse and was recently certified as bereavement facilitator. She keeps active in community-service organizations.

SERVICE AWARD

The Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Professional Service will be presented to Steven Frederick, dean of development and alumni affairs.