El Camino College Welcomes 2022 Commencement Speaker
El Camino College welcomes Deyja Charles as the 2022 commencement speaker. The El Camino alumna and accomplished journalist will address the graduates during the 75th Annual Commencement Ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, June 10 in Murdock Stadium. Charles is a broadcast news writer, editor, and manager who is currently an executive producer at ABC10 News in San Diego.
This year’s commencement is the first in-person celebration in two years, as the event shifted to a virtual format due to the coronavirus pandemic. Graduates from the Class of 2020 and 2021 are also invited to join the Class of 2022 for the on-campus commencement; more information is available online.
“We have much to celebrate this year and are so pleased to welcome Deyja Charles back to El Camino where she was first inspired to pursue her extremely successful career in broadcast journalism,” said El Camino College President Brenda Thames. “We are also very proud of our graduates who have adapted to many changes and challenges along the way to finish their degree or certificate.”
At El Camino, Charles found opportunities that guided her classwork, helped her land internships, and enabled her to envision her future. After completing her associate degree, Charles transferred to California State University, Fullerton where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in broadcast journalism. She then conducted research for a year overseas in Europe and Asia, completing her master’s degree in international relations.
Returning stateside, Charles began her television career in the South Bay at Torrance CitiCABLE. From there, her journey in broadcast journalism took her to newsrooms in Montana, Louisiana, and Texas, where she wrote, produced, and reported local news. Her current role as an executive producer in San Diego prompted her return to Southern California.
Charles said El Camino allowed her to explore career interests, which set her on a path to news reporting and production. She credits much of her success to joining El Camino’s First Year Experience, a program that launched in 2001 with the mission to help students be successful in college. Charles credits the professors, counselors, and staff members at El Camino who helped her become a successful student as she transitioned into college life and her career.
For more information about El Camino College’s 75th Commencement Ceremony, view: www.elcamino.edu/commencement/.
Graduates from 2020 or 2021 who wish to participate in the commencement ceremony must submit a form by April 29. Friends, family members, and supporters of El Camino’s graduates are welcome to attend the celebration. COVID-19 protocols will be in place.
