Arnavaz Fatemi
Pierce College student Trish Loughnane, who made it on the All-California Academic Team of Phi Theta Kappa, an international honors society for two-year colleges, was recognized for her achievements.
Graduating in June, Loughnane has maintained a 3.5 GPA during her five years at Pierce and is leaving with an A.A. in criminal justice and an A.A. in liberal arts and sciences.
“At the time, I didn’t realize how hard it was,” Loughnane said about the work she put into Pierce. “Now, I look back and think I was crazy.”
Loughnane was presented a certificate and a medallion tomorrow in the Music Quad, according to Phyllis Braxton, dean in counseling. The event is only for people on the President’s Honors List.
Loughnane had to do volunteer work, maintain a 3.5 GPA and write an essay about herself to get a spot on the California team.
“The real pride is seeing the success of our students,” said Pierce College President Robert Garber. “I’m very excited for her. She really exemplifies what we do with Pierce students who reach their goals.”
When asked about how Loughnane felt when she was told she was getting the award, she said she felt as if they were making a mistake. She was so surprised.
Loughnane’s three children will be there to share the joy with her, as will her mother, who flew in from Northern California.
Even with all the excitement of her upcoming graduation and the honor she is receiving, Loughnane is still volunteering.
Right now, she is working on a book drive through Phi Theta Kappa for the Pierce Child Development Center called Read to Succeed going on all through the month of May.
Loughnane will be transferring to CSUN after Pierce to work toward her B.A. in sociology, with an emphasis in criminology.
Trish Loughnane, a criminal justice major, received a special honor during the President’s Honors List reception yesterday. ()