WHAT: Telemundo reporter and anchor Dunia Elvir will address 1,400 graduates when Rio Hondo College celebrates its 53nd commencement during a ceremony that will honor several graduates for overcoming adversity.

The ceremony will include remarks by Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss and Associated Students of Rio Hondo College President William Ashby.

Academic Senate President Robert Bethel will present the Marie I. Pellissier Award to class valedictorian Maritza Acuña Gaxiola, who will also speak.

Board of Trustees President Mary Ann Pacheco will honor emeritus professor of sociology and economics Maurice Meysenburg as a Fellow of the College.

“Profiles of Student Success” will honor several Rio Hondo College students who excelled despite personal and educational challenges. Vice President of Student Services Henry Gee will announce the selected graduates.

Fourteen students in Rio Hondo College’s inaugural Pathway to Law School cohort will receive their degrees during the ceremony.

WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, May 26

WHERE: Rio Hondo College Parking Lot A, 3600 Workman Mill Road, Whittier

DETAILS: Elvir received a Golden Mike for investigative reporting, an Emmy Award and a GLAAD Media Award. Notable interviews feature former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, former El Salvador President Antonio Saca, former Honduras President Jose Manuel Zelaya, former Mexico President Vicente Fox and former Guatemala President Alvaro Colom. She has been named one of the 13 most outstanding Latinos in the U.S. by the National Association of Latino Leaders.

PHOTO: Telemundo reporter and anchor Dunia Elvir