After 16 intensive weeks of learning and practicing English, 19 students graduated from the U’s English Language Institute at a ceremony held Monday night.
The graduates were primarily Latina/o students looking to enhance both their professional and personal lives.
ELI offers seven levels of English as a Second Language classes for those who desire to become proficient in the English language.
The graduation, held in the Union Ballroom, was managed by University of Utah President Michael K. Young and included speeches by Theresa Martinez, assistant vice president for academic outreach at the U, and ELI graduates who went on to become students at the U.
Martinez expressed her gratitude in a written statement: “As we face this new century of Latino population growth both in Utah and the nation, it is essential that forward-thinking people consider this growth and our own labor force needs as we help to nurture professionally skilled Latinos in the state.”