Donning a black cap and gown Bill Merkle rocked from heel to toe as he stood among his classmates from Dominican University of California in front of Angelico Hall Saturday morning, eager to receive his diploma.
“It’s been a long journey — 36 years,” he said.
He was captain at San Quentin State Prison when he began the criminal justice program at Dominican. The 82-year-old retired warden of High Desert State Prison in Susanville returned to the university in fall 2014 to complete over two semesters the remaining six units he left unfinished in 1979.
And Saturday, amid blaring bagpipes, a cheering crowd and students posing for quick pictures with cameras on selfie-sticks, he graduated with a class of about 400 at the commencement ceremonies on Forest Meadows Field. Hundreds gathered beneath a tent on a chilly morning as the ceremonies began on the San Rafael campus.
University President Mary Marcy introduced commencement speaker Marine Gen. Maj. Angie Salinas, calling her a “pioneer,” describing her as “the most skilled, the toughest, the most fair minded,” and “quite simply the best person for the job.”
Salinas, class of ‘76, took the stage and worked the crowd.
“Let’s face it. We have to thank some people. Let’s thank your parents, your grandparents, your spouses, your daughters, your sons and all those loved ones who made it possible for you to achieve this milestone in your life,” she said to encouraging applause.
But beyond giving thanks, Salinas had another message:
“I encourage you to follow your heart and do what you love,” she said.
She described her first assignment as a Marine was to count heads of lettuce and tomatoes, and a supervisor noticed her discouragement.
“He said to me, “I know it doesn’t seem like an important task, but if you are the best at everything you do, others will notice,’” she said.
She continued, “We don’t all plan to go out and change the world, some just do. You, the class of 2015 will join those who can make a difference — if not you, then who?”
The senior class speaker, Yema Khalif Manyanki, held the high energy with a similar message describing his journey from the urban slum in Kibera, Africa, to Dominican through the Road to Freedom Scholarship Program. He approached the podium with swagger and was obviously popular among his peers.
“Step up and vote for leaders with integrity, or better yet, step up and be leaders yourselves,” he said.
That was the message Merkle was attempting with completing his degree. He wanted to be the example, for his children, grandchildren and fellow classmates.
Merkle’s wife Lois, along with stepson Mike Hevrin of San Diego and son Bill Merkle Jr. of Pioneer and their families, were among the audience.
“I’m very proud. Education has always been important to him and I know he’s worked hard,” Hevrin said.
“I’m amazed,” his wife said. “It’s been good for him and kept him energized.”
As for Merkle, he’s not looking for any promotions these days, but he does have some things planned.
“Well, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do in my garden,” he laughed. “I told my wife, ‘when this is over, you’ve got a cruise coming.’”
