Walking the (Graduation) Walk Again: Judge Jack K. Mandel is Dr. Mandel Now

May 26, 2012

NAC News Archives

Dr Jack K. Mandel, co-founder of the Nicholas Academic Centers12 years after retiring from the bench, Judge Jack K. Mandel donned the robe once more. Unlike the robe he wore during his 19 years as a Superior Court Judge, however, this robe was of the graduating kind.

On Saturday, May 12, the Hon. Jack K. Mandel received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from his new alma mater, Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. Morningside recognized Judge Mandel with the honorary degree for his work with high school students in Santa Ana, California. During the commencement, Dr. Mandel spoke to more than 250 graduates on the campus lawn in front of the Hickman-Johnson-Furrow Learning Center. In his speech, Dr. Mandel thanked the board of trustees & the President of Morningside College, his wife Judy for her full-time support, and Dr. Nicholas for his passion & generosity. "Because of what Dr. Nicholas has provided," said the Judge, "[NAC students] will play a prominent role in their community for the next 40 years; they are tomorrow’s leaders."

Ten Santa Ana-area high school graduates who were part of the NAC are enrolled at Morningside College with several more to join this fall. Each of their journeys represents a page in the ongoing NAC story.