DEGREES OF SUCCESS CSUCI SEES ABOUT 600 GRADUATE.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

Outgoing and incoming presidents were on hand Friday when some 600 students graduated from California State University, Channel Islands, one of the last graduations at the former state hospital site before it becomes an independent campus.

Retiring CSUCI President J. Handel Evans was joined at the ceremony by his successor, Richard Rush, who will open the university in the fall of 2002, and Jolene Koester, the new president of CSU, Northridge.

``I am graduating today - just like you,'' Evans said during a short speech. ``I consider myself a member of the class of 2001.''

Each of the presidents wished the students well in their future endeavors, saying it is now their responsibility to return to the community what they can.

``You should not take this accomplishment lightly,'' said Rush, the former president of the University of Minnesota at Mankato, who will begin his duties on June 18. ``Think of what you have achieved. Those moments of sacrifice have brought you to this celebration.''

Evans, who took the university through its planning stages, was presented with the Robert Lagomarsino Award, named for a former Ventura County congressman.

``This is a wonderful recognition - not of me or you,'' said Evans as he received the award. ``Because without the people of Ventura County this would not have happened.

``In a few years' time, there will be as many graduates as there are people here today. We will all take great pleasure and benefit for it, for your children, grandchildren, your great-grandchildren and everyone who comes to Ventura will have some contact with what we are doing today. The honor has been mine.''

At a reception following the ceremony, Joann Ontiveros, 36, of Ventura posed for photos with her husband and children and praised the local campus.

``I think it's great that they have a campus here,'' Ontiveros said. ``The population is a lot more diverse. It's easier for people.''

Though the mother of three has been working as a pediatric physical therapist for the past 10 years, Ontiveros returned to school in hopes that she could teach part time.

``I'd like to teach here someday,'' said Ontiveros, who received a master's degree in education. ``It's a really beautiful campus.''

CAPTION(S):

4 photos

Photo:

(1) Student speaker Dani Espinosa gives her address Friday at the eighth commencement exercises for some 600 graduates of theCalifornia State University, Channel Islands.

(2) CAMARILLO: Some of the nearly 600 graduates of CSUCI prepare to accept their diplomas Friday during commencement.

(3) Family members and friends capture proud moments on film Friday at CSUCI. The ceremony was one of the last graduations at the school before it becomes an independent campus.

(4) John Oliver, right, presents diplomas for master's in social work to a graduate at Friday's graduation exercises. About 600 graduates received diplomas at the commencement.

Phil McCarten/Staff Photographer