Hancock celebrated 2024 grads who are transferring to four-year universities at a special event on May 17. Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated 2024 graduates who will continue their education at four-year universities at its annual University Transfer Celebration on May 17 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
Hosted each year by Hancock’s University Transfer Center, the event was an opportunity for Hancock’s transfer students to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family as they prepared for a new chapter in their educational journeys. More than 200 “transfer stars” were invited to this year’s celebration.
Participating students, many wearing apparel from their respective universities, received a commemorative?transfer?medallion, took photos with their soon-to-be university peers, and listened to messages of support from Hancock staff and their fellow?transfer?students.
“This is a chance to celebrate your accomplishments and get excited about your next adventure,” said Hancock’s Associate Superintendent/Vice President of Student Services Genevieve Siwabessy, Ed.D. “We know that wherever you are going next, you will excel.”
Hancock encourages students to think about?transferring early in their student journey and provides resources and support through the UTC and other programs. This year, the college marked an unbroken 23-year streak of having the highest acceptance rate to Cal Poly, SLO. Nearly 67 percent of Hancock applicants were accepted to become Mustangs.
“Cal Poly was my first choice, and I was so excited when I opened the email and saw I got accepted,” said 2024 Hancock grad Fiona McGinnis, who will study electrical engineering after she transfers. “Between participating in the STEM/MESA programs, being a part of the Robotics Club and all the great teachers I had here at Hancock, I feel prepared to make the next step and be successful at a university.”
Hancock graduate Robert Carter, who is transferring to CSU Stanislaus to study forensics, credited the college’s UTC for his successful transfer efforts, and offered advice to the incoming transfer hopefuls who will attend Hancock in the summer and fall.
“Use all the resources available to you,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions and get involved.”