El Camino College is pleased to welcome alumnus and acclaimed actor and director William Allen Young as the 2019 commencement speaker. The ECC distinguished alumnus will address the Class of 2019 at the 72nd Annual Commencement Ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, June 7 in Murdock Stadium.
Widely recognized for his work in over 100 television, stage, and film projects, Young is also known for his impressive accomplishments and inspiring work creating opportunities for underserved youth. His illustrious career includes roles in two Academy Award-nominated films, "A Soldier's Story" and "District 9," and he is recognized by millions of worldwide fans as Frank Mitchell, the tough-but-loving father on the TV series "Moesha;" as Judge Ratner on "CSI Miami;" and most recently as Dr. Rollie Guthrie on the CBS medical drama "Code Black."
While at El Camino College, Young excelled on the forensics team and earned an associate degree in speech communication. He transferred to USC where he was twice ranked the No. 1 college speaker in the nation. Young earned a bachelor's degree in rhetoric and debate, then continued his education at California State University, Los Angeles where he earned a master's degree in sociolinguistics. In 2016, Young was named an El Camino College Distinguished Alumni, an award that recognizes outstanding ECC alumni for achievement in their chosen career and service to the community. He is also the recipient of the NAACP Outstanding Social Achievement Award and was deemed a "Goodwill Ambassador" by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, among other awards.
Young is respected in the arts and entertainment community for his professional accomplishments and his passion for education. As a former co-chair of the Directors Guild of America's African-American Steering Committee, he helped negotiate the landmark 2000 Network Agreement to help diversify the ranks of actors, writers, directors, and producers in Hollywood. He has also inspired countless lives and created opportunities for hundreds of underserved youth to gain acceptance at colleges and universities nationwide through his award-winning nonprofit, the Young Center for Academic & Cultural Enrichment.
Young has been married to educator Helen Young for 32 years; the couple lives in Los Angeles with their two sons.
For more information about El Camino College's 2019 commencement, including parking and seating arrangements, view: http://www.elcamino.edu/student/commencement/.