Approximately 20 students graduated from the English Language Institute today during a ceremony held in the Doc Bryan Lecture Hall.
Donna Ogle, coordinator of the English Language Institute, said this is the largest graduating class in a long time, and for the first time, two students scored above a 550 on the TOEFL exam.
The English Language Institute teaches new international students ways to improve their English speaking skills, reading and listening skills, note taking ability and increase cultural awareness.
The salutatorian of the class is Zeqing “Helen” Chen. “This experience increased my confidence in myself and as a student,” Chen said.
Also pleased with her experience was the valedictorian, Lili He. “Tomorrow will be another new beginning. I’m sure we will achieve perfection. We will remember, ‘No pain, no gain’,” she said.
Awards were given to students who passed the TOEFL exam with a score of 500 or better. Student-voted awards, including awards for prettiest smile, funniest, etc. were given out.
The instructors at the English Language Institute awarded several students in the categories of best attitude, most improved and star student.
At the end of the ceremony, the graduates sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”.
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