Prisoners, their families, education volunteers and staff got a special treat in June, witnessing 50 men reach significant educational milestones despite being behind bars.
“You have accomplished something remarkable, and for that we applaud you,” said acting Warden Kevin R. Chappell.
The 2012 San Quentin graduation ceremony kicked off with the Vietnam Veterans Group presenting the colors before a jubilant crowd. Incarcerated men received their vocational training certificates, General Education Degrees and Associate’s degrees through the Robert E. Burton Adult School as well as Associate’s degrees from Patten University.
Vice Principal, Frank Kellum, addressed the crowd, making changes to the official program, bringing laughter and smiles to a packed Protestant Chapel before he introduced the warden.
“This milestone in their educational experience takes dedication and resolve and is especially admirable when accomplished in the prison setting,” said Chappell. “They have achieved their educational goals, and we commend them for their success.”
Chappell lauded the collaborative effort between Burton and Patten, saying it “lends credence to the department’s continued goal of rehabilitation and positive reintegration into society.”
Keynote speaker Yolanda Jackson told the men, “do not let others validate your work. You have to validate yourselves.” Jackson is deputy executive director of the San Francisco Bar Association.
“Education expands your choices; it gives you the opportunity to lead a life you value,” she said.
The next speakers were program valedictorians James Talley for GED, Thomas Winfrey and Michael Villanueva for vocational, and Chris Schuhmacher for Patten University. Each recounted personal challenges as well as giving thanks to their teachers and programs.
Schuhmacher sported a pair of sunglasses and sauntered up to the podium to the Door’s song “Break on Through.” He dedicated his degree to his sister, Pamela. He asked her to stand as he told how his sister missed her own college graduation ceremony to attend his trial.
“Without hesitation, she sacrificed her own graduation ceremony to be there and support me during the trial, and while I can’t give that day back, I’d like to honor her by dedicating this one to her,” Schuhmacher told the crowd, his voice breaking and unleashing a wave of tears and a standing ovation from the audience.
After Schuhmacher’s moving speech, Patten University keynote speaker Geoffrey O’Brien, a professor at Berkeley and volunteer with the Prison University Project, took the stage. “You should be really proud of the degree you’ve earned,” he said. “That pride should extend beyond your specific accomplishment to the larger change you’ve made.”
After the speeches, each graduate in cap and gown walked to the stage to receive diplomas and certificates. During the intermissions, the band “Just Came to Play” treated the crowd to smooth Latin Jazz tunes.
Afterward, the graduating prisoners and their families were treated to cake and were allowed to mingle in the Garden Chapel area.
“I am proud of my father,” said Heracio Harts Jr., who came to watch his dad graduate with an Associates of Arts degree. He leaves for college this spring, a few months before his father ‘s scheduled parole.