Our 106th Commencement was not held in our traditional method due to the COVID-19 pandemic during spring and summer of 2020. Due to the shelter-in-place order, social distancing restrictions on large gatherings mandated by California, and an abundance of caution on our part to prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus, we were unable to hold the traditional commencement ceremony in Memorial Stadium.
Despite circumstance, Bakersfield College celebrated the class of 2020 with a Special Televised Commencement Tribute. On July 11, 2020 on KGET, Telemundo and streaming on Facebook, every graduate who chose to participate was honored with their photo and name read by BC faculty, staff, and administrators.
Graduates, we are incredibly proud of what you have accomplished this year despite all the obstacles and enjoyed celebrating your achievements. All 2020 BC graduates are welcome to participate in the in-person commencement with the Class of 2021 when restrictions for large gatherings are lifted. See the Commencement page for information regarding how to participate in March 2021.
In addition to the televised event, we handed out yard signs and distributed spirit flags through the Office of Student Life. Several businesses around Bakersfield hung large banners to celebrate for the entire week.
Opening remarks from
President Sonya Christian:
Conferral
of Degrees:
Closing Remarks from
President Sonya Christian
Prof. John Gerhold sings
The National Anthem:
Remarks from
KCCD Chancellor Tom Burke
Remarks from
Congressman Kevin McCarthy
Remarks from
BCSGA President Samantha Pulido
Samuel W McCall
Outstanding Faculty - Olivia Garcia:
Remarks from
Congressman TJ Cox:
Remarks from
Mayor Karen Goh:
Remarks from
State Senator Shannon Grove:
Remarks from
Assembly Member Rudy Salas:
Remarks from
Assembly Member Vince Fong:
2020 Graduates -
Part 1:
2020 Graduates -
Part 2:
2020 Graduates -
Part 3:
2020 Graduates-
Part 4:
2020 Graduates -
Part 5:
2020 Graduates -
Part 6:
2020 Graduates
Baccalaureate Degree Recipients:
Program Spotlight -
Industrial Automation:
2020 Graduates -
Early College:
Spotlight -
Early College:
There's a pathway
for everyone
Program Spotlight -
Health Sciences:
Program Spotlight -
College Safety:
Spotlight -
Corny Rodriguez Retirement:
Spotlight -
Sandi Taylor Retirement:
On July 7, 2020, we celebrated our Early College Graduates from Wonderful College Prep Academy and Wasco High School with a virtual ceremony. Please enjoy the videos below.
Opening Remarks from
President Sonya Christian:
Remarks from
Senator Emeritus Jean Fuller:
Remarks from
KCCD Trustee Romeo Agbalog:
Remarks from
Abel Guzman:
Remarks from
Elysa Vargas
Remarks from
Emily Phelps
WCPA Student Speaker
Logan Stout
Wasco Principal
Kevin Tallon
Remarks from
David Abernathy
Wasco High School Speaker
Nancy Gutierrez
2020 Early College
Graduates
Fireworks
Finale