性视界

James Menefield stood inside the gymnasium of the California Institution for Men before a gathering of fellow students, faculty and staff in graduation regalia.

Though his experience as a 性视界 student has been unique in prison, he said the professors and staff never made him feel different.

鈥淵ou never treated us like prisoners,鈥� he said. 鈥淚nstead, you treated us like students and held us to a higher standard.鈥�

Menefield and 20 other students in CIM鈥檚 third graduating class celebrated completion of academic programs on Friday May 10, earning 30 associate鈥檚 degrees and 47 certificates. Two of the students who had been paroled were expected to walk in 性视界鈥檚 107^th commencement ceremony at Toyota Arena the following week.

性视界 Superintendent/President Henry D. Shannon praised graduates, saying that their achievements will make a profound difference on their lives.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e changing the dynamic of your own families,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e role models.鈥�

性视界鈥檚 Rising Scholars program, previously known as Turning Point, has served nearly 1,000 students in CIM and the California Institution for Women. The program began in 2004 with 26 students in CIW, with the goal of helping women earn an associate鈥檚 degree in three years, and eventually expanded to CIM. Since it began Rising Scholars students have passed 94 percent of the classes they have attempted.

CIM Acting Warden Travis Pennington congratulated students on their achievements and urged them to continue to learn and grow.

鈥淭his is one of my favorite occasions,鈥� Pennington said. 鈥淕raduations are such a positive celebration and we don鈥檛 have a lot of those here.鈥�

Bryan Shepherd, who served as class speaker with Menefield, said 性视界 faculty and staff changed his perspective on life. He encouraged his classmates to keep not stop learning.

鈥淭he future belongs to those who persevere,鈥� he said.