Thursday, December 5, 2019 10772 View all Fort Lewis College news About 200 students set to graduate this winter Fort Lewis College Winter Commencement will take place Friday, December 20 in Whalen Gymnasium at 3 p.m. Fort Lewis College Winter Commencement will take place Friday, December 20 in Whalen Gymnasium at 3 p.m. Doors will open at 2 p.m. About 200 students will graduate. “We are already so proud of what these graduating students have accomplished at FLC and look forward to supporting them as alumni,” says President Tom Stritikus. Tickets are not necessary to attend No balloons or confetti are allowed inside Whalen Gymnasium The Art Department lot is reserved for ADA parking (map) during Commencement. Staff will be monitoring the parking lots near Whalen Gymnasium in golf carts to assist those with mobility issues An American Sign Language interpreter will be located to the left side of the stage Campbell Child & Family Center is offering free child care for children up to 8 years of age during the ceremony. Caregivers are available from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Families must sign up in advance by emailing Director Peggy Ferguson Watch the livestream on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fortlewis A list of the majors awarded can be found at www.fortlewis.edu/graduation Join the conversation on social media by using #FLCclassof2019 Addressing the graduates will be Colorado Senator Rhonda Fields from District 29. Senator Rhonda Fields is considered by many to be one of the most influential women in Colorado's politics today. She was elected in November 2010 to the Colorado House of Representatives with more than 70% of the vote in House District 42. She has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, crime victims, and the most vulnerable in the community. In 2016, after serving six years in the Colorado House of Representatives, Fields was elected to the Colorado State Senate making her the first African American woman elected to represent District 29 in that body. Her personal and professional experience helped her shape, and deliver on, her strong legislative agenda as she served rural, urban, and suburban Arapahoe County. Throughout her career, Senator Fields has been an advocate for justice and human rights. She is known to tackle tough issues by crafting bipartisan solutions to keep Colorado moving forward. In 2018, her colleagues elected her to serve as the Assistant Majority Leader. Fields also chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. She holds a master's degree in Education from the University of Northern Colorado. The President's Office will host a reception with cake and refreshments in San Juan Dining Hall immediately following the ceremony. All are welcome, free of charge.