College diploma is a parting gift
Press-Telegram 2/15/07
He was so eager to learn that the Carson resident graduated early from Carson High School to attend El Camino College. He later transferred to CSULB, where he majored in political science.
"He wanted to make an impact on the world, and what better way than politics?" said brother Mark Delgadillo.
On Dec. 8, shortly before final exams, the 24-year-old student was shot to death in Carson. He was expected to graduate this year.
Family members say they have not been told of any arrests in connection with the incident, and homicide detectives could not be reached for further information Wednesday.
On Wednesday, CSULB President F. King Alexander presented Delgadillo's posthumous diploma to family members gathered at the campus.
"Whenever we lose a student, it's a loss to our whole university family," Alexander told Delgadillo's family members.
Delgadillo's name will be included in the list of graduates announced at this summer's College of Liberal Arts graduation ceremony, which will be dedicated in his honor.
Delgadillo, described by family members as a caring, fun and giving person, was eagerly anticipating his college graduation, after which he planned to spend a year living in Europe.
"I know he worked so hard" to get his diploma, said his cousin, Lorena Gutierrez. "I know that was what he was looking forward to, moving on to the next phase of life."
He was a generous person, dedicated to helping his family, said Mark Delgadillo, who also is a CSULB student.
Michael helped Mark set up a class schedule at CSULB and even arranged for the two to take the same economics class so they could study together.
Delgadillo enjoyed spending time helping kids while working as a recreational assistant at Carriage Crest Park in Carson, Mark said. He would coach youth sports during the summer programs.
"He loved kids," Mark said. "He loved everyone."
Delgadillo's sunny attitude and good sense of humor made even seemingly mundane situations fun for others, Mark said.
"It wouldn't be boring if he was there with you," he said.
Family members on Wednesday thanked Alexander and other university officials for the opportunity to receive the posthumous diploma.
"He really loved everything he did," said his sister Brenda Jurado, a CSULB graduate. "And he was really looking forward to his graduation, and that's why we are here."