The Graduation Issue
Volume VII, Issue 3, June 30, 2021
SMC in Focus is proud to present this graduation-themed issue, celebrating just a few of the thousands
of Santa Monica College grads who persisted through one of the most difficult times
in recorded history and great personal odds. They came. They believed in themselves.
And they are going forward, to change the world, each in their distinctive way.
Full Circle
Karina Quevedo is of the third generation of Quevedos to make SMC part of their lives—grandfather Juan was a Spanish professor; dad John is a Math professor. As for Karina, a newly-minted SMC grad, she is forging her own path forward.
Self-Educated Survivor
To call Joshua Lin a high-school dropout would be to sugar-coat things. His formal education previously ended in elementary school, when his parents put him to work. This fall, he is transferring to UCLA, a true testament to the power of the human spirit.
Long Journey to Early Education
When the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School opens this fall at the Santa Monica Civic Center, a 32-year mission by Betsy Hiteshew and Irene Zivi will have come to fruition. With each in her 90s, they are “... thankful we lived long enough to see it happen!”
Michael Leggesse
Michael Leggesse, a first-generation college student, brought wide-ranging personal interests to SMC; he eventually decided on journalism. Persisting through many challenges, Michael has been accepted into UCLA and looks forward to forging his own path for the future.
Bragging Rights
A communications professor to announce baseball & softball at the 2021 Summer Olympics. A Marketing Department brings home a windfall of awards. A Film Studies instructor’s documentary nominated for a Daytime Emmy.
Producer of Oscar-Winning Short Looks Back
Mickey Meyer, an executive producer on this year’s Oscar-winning short “Two Distant Strangers”, gives an exclusive interview on how SMC prepared him for his career, empathy and the arts, what a typical day look likes for him, and much more.
SMC In the News
Calif. State Treasurer Fiona Ma Commencement Speaker
Nearly 1,000 Grads Celebrate at Drive-Thru
Bradley Lane New VP of Academic Affairs
SMC Student Film to Screen at Cannes
SMC Writers Club Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Writing Competition
Dance Short Explores Shadows of Little Tokyo History
