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Walnut — Just a few months out of high school, Alex Wu had no idea when he registered at Mt. SAC last summer that he would etch his name into the history books of the College. By enrolling in math, English and music classes, he became Mt. SAC’s millionth student. “It’s an honor to be the millionth student,” said Alex. “It’s a milestone for Mt. SAC, and it took 60 years to get to this point.” The millionth student, a resident of West Covina, carries a 3.1 GPA, will declare a biology major and is attending Mt. SAC on a 50% music scholarship. He plays tuba for the College’s Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds and has played since he was seven years old. After he graduates from Mt. SAC next year, he plans on transferring to either UC Berkeley or UCLA as a neurobiology major, and eventually wants to become a neurologist. But for right now, Alex sees himself as the typical Mt. SAC student. “I’m like your average Mt. SAC student, trying to finish his program and having fun while I’m doing it.” Cost was a major factor in his decision to come to Mt. SAC. “I’m saving a tremendous amount of money as opposed to going to a private school,” said Alex. |
So far in his first year, his experience at Mt. SAC has been nothing but positives, the highlight being the Wind Ensemble’s attendance at the annual College Band Directors Association convention in Reno, NV. The academic programs and faculty have also made an impression on the 18 year old. “The instructors here are very dedicated,” he said. “They offer students more help outside of class than you’d expect, and the courses really deliver what they claim.” For being the millionth student, Alex received a certificate and a $500 gift from Mt. SAC Foundation for books. The registering of the millionth student just happened to coincide with the beginning of Mt. SAC’s 60th anniversary. The College kicked off the celebration with the 60th commencement ceremony for the Class of 2006 on May 19. A host of activities celebrating Mt. SAC’s 60th year is scheduled in the upcoming year, including a production of The Pirates of Penzance in July, an academic convocation and campus birthday party in September, and a 60th Anniversary Gala at the Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda next October. |