PCC’s 2012 Commencement Speaker is PTK member and minister

April 17, 2012

The Commencement Speaker for Pima Community College’s Class of 2012 is Dax W. Crocker, a native of Guatemala and a long-time minister in the U.S. and Europe.

Crocker, 40, is receiving his Associate of General Studies degree. He is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and, with his 3.9 grade point average, is among a select group of students. Only 88 PCC graduation candidates – 2.5 percent of the class – have a GPA of 3.9 or higher.

Crocker was selected from a pool of 16 possible speakers who had to undergo a rigorous application process that included an interview and delivery of a proposed speech.

“His speech was outstanding in addressing issues that we are facing today,” said Christy Yebra, chairwoman of PCC’s Graduation Search Committee. “He will represent the Class of 2012 and Pima Community College well.”

Crocker was born in Guatemala, moved to Los Angeles as a teen and then started a ministry in San Diego. He plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies at The University of Arizona and a master’s degree in Religious Studies from Harvard University. He ultimately wants to earn a Ph.D., in Divinity, serve as a U.S. Air Force Reserve Guard chaplain and continue to develop his ministry in Tucson.

Graduation 2012 is Thursday, May 17, 2012, at the Tucson Convention Center Arena, 260 S. Church St. A total of 3,590 Pima Community College students are candidates for graduation.