By Jeannette Cruz
GCU News Bureau
California congresswoman Grace Napolitano was at Grand Canyon University Arena on Friday morning to celebrate the graduation of her grandson Daniel Musquiz, who earned with a degree in Communications.
Accompanied by her children, grandchildren and daughter-in-laws, Napolitano smiled and made her way through the crowd following the ceremony to find Musquiz and greet him with a hug.
Napolitano, 81, represents California’s 32nd District and is the senior member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. She serves as the top Democrat on the subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which oversees the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Water Act and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers water programs.
When asked her impression of the University, Napolitano said, “I think this is a fine university that is doing a fine job, and I am impressed by its religious background, education and growth. I hope to see more of it in the future.”
Napolitano also expressed her excitement for Musquiz saying, “My children and grandchildren are getting educated, and I am very thankful. I am very, very happy. Daniel is the first in his family to graduate from college and the youngest.”
She also talked about the meaning of earning an education and shared how seeing her family achieve an education was a dream come true.
“You see, unfortunately I married soon after high school and had five children by the age of 23," she said. "I was able to achieve what I wanted because I believed in myself and I had other people who believed in me and because I stood for things and people we should fight for.”
Napolitano began her political career in 1986 as a member of the Norwalk (Calif.) City Council. She was determined to address the city's need for jobs and reliable public transportation.
Pointing to her experience in Congress, Napolitano said she hopes more women will be encouraged to pursue an education and share their voice in politics.
“There are not enough minorities there. We want more women to be educated and to dedicate themselves to helping others,” she said.
Musquiz, who stood next to his grandmother, nodded in agreement and added, “I am just trying to be as good as my family.”
Contact Jeannette Cruz at (602) 639-6631 or [email protected]
