PCC graduation

Pima Community College’s class of 2017 graduates Thursday.

Pima Community College’s biggest celebration of the year takes place Thursday at Tucson Convention Center where thousands are expected to gather for the school’s 2016 graduation ceremony.

This year’s event honors the achievements of nearly 3,900 students who are receiving associate degrees, employment-related certificates, or both.

PCC’s youngest graduate, Cody Belksma, 17, will receive an auto mechanics certificate. The eldest, Roger Christner, 75, will receive a certificate in social service substance use disorder specialty, a college news release said.

Graduate Francy Luna Diaz, who is receiving an associate degree in liberal arts and an honors certificate, will give the commencement address.

A member of the PCC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, she plans to study political science and Latin American studies at a university yet to be determined.

For those unable to attend, the college is recording part of this year’s ceremony for playback on Cox digital Channel 121 and on Comcast Channel 97.

The footage will air each Tuesday and Saturday at 6 p.m. until the end of June.


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Carol Ann Alaimo