In Recognition of Meritorious Service, City College to Confer former City College Student and National Guard Soldier David Nguyen with Honorary Degree
In Recognition of Meritorious Service, City College to Confer former City College Student and National Guard Soldier David Nguyen with Honorary Degree
Nguyen was within one unit of obtaining an Associate Degree at City College
On the evening of February 23, the City College of San Francisco held a candlelight vigil and celebration of City College student David Nguyen’s life outside its main campus Conlan Hall building. At City College, Nguyen was within one unit of obtaining an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences with an emphasis in the Arts and Humanities. In addition to being a student, Nguyen was concurrently an eight-year veteran of the National Guard, having recently been promoted to Sergeant.
In a tragic and senseless act of violence, David was struck by a bullet on Interstate 580 near Oakland on January 4th around 4:30pm while driving home to San Francisco from his Alameda County Sheriff’s Department recruit training. His car crashed into a guardrail. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
“David believed in only growing old if you chose to stop playing. His friends were his family. He loved life itself,” said Shanice Vaughn, Nguyen’s girlfriend who met Nguyen as a fellow National Guard Soldier. “He always made both the National Guard and school work together. When he wasn’t getting deployed to wildfires and serving our community he was studying hard for his degree. Along with the National Guard, school was one of his main priorities. I’m really happy to see him get his degree because he expressed to me finishing school and getting his diploma was one of his aspirations.”
At the celebration, City College Trustee Wong announced that he had initiated the process to grant Nguyen an Honorary Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“David Nguyen served alongside me in the National Guard. He was sent to the same missions as me, including many of the wildfires and disasters facing California,” said Trustee Wong, who also serves in the National Guard as a lieutenant. “During the Presidential Inauguration, he was deployed with me and other National Guardsmen to protect the Sacramento Capitol and ensure the peaceful and democratic transition of power. He represented the best of City College and was an excellent example of a City College student who wanted to serve our community and country.”
Before and after the vigil City College Control Officer and close family friend Hunter Padilla DJed a select playlist of Nguyen’s favorite songs. Two artists also conducted special performances to pay tribute to the life of Nguyen. Singer Flora Hui sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow and rappers Son of Paper and Chinoe performed Autumn.
“Today I’m DJing David’s top songs that he listened to on a day-to-day basis such as electronic, hip hop, R&B, and anime music. His family helped me select these songs. David was always supportive of my journey in life and today I’m here for him,” said City College Control Officer Hunter Padilla. “I met David through City College classes and we hung out before and after class to study. It means so much to me to see David completing his degree that he started here and achieving his goals.”
“David deserves to be recognized for his meritorious service and contribution to the community. With the support of David’s teachers, I am moving forward with a proposal to have City College confer him an Honorary Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences to help him and his family complete his academic dreams at City College,” said Trustee Wong. “As a military officer, I believe in taking care of our Soldiers and their families. This would finally grant David’s wish of getting a degree and achieving his dreams at City College.”
According to City College Board Policy 6.21 and Administrative Procedure 6.21, conferring an Honorary Associate Degree provides City College a method to recognize and honor an individual with meritorious service or outstanding contribution to the institution. Once the Honorary Associate Degree is formally approved, it may be awarded during commencement time.
“Our parents immigrated to the United States and my brother and I weren’t traditional students. He was 28 years-old, but it was our parents’ dream for us to get an education here,” said Nguyen’s sister Barbara Nguyen. “It was really hard for him, but he never gave up. He was so close to getting his degree. He did it not for himself but also to give back to our parents for their sacrifices. David worked really hard and it just shows David can achieve his dreams as long as he puts his mind to it.”
The candlelight vigil and celebration was cosponsored by City College of San Francisco, SF Sheriff’s Department, SF Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, SF Police Department, SF Fire Department, SF Firefighters Local 798, American Legion Cathay Post 384, and OneVet OneVoice.
