Bakersfield College

Special Commencement Tribute for the Class of 2020

2020 Commencement Tribute

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.

Special Commencement Banner

2020 Graduates

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.

Painting the Town Red

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.

Sonya holding 2 We Are BC flags in front of the BC hedge.
Nicky Damania holds out We Are BC flag attached to a car.

Commencement Videos

President Christian Remarks

Opening remarks from
President Sonya Christian:

Conferral
of Degrees:

Closing Remarks from
President Sonya Christian


Dignitaries, Speeches & Performances

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

2020 Graduates -
Part 1:

2020 Graduates - 
Part 2:

2020 Graduates -
Part 3:

2020 Graduates-
Part 4:

2020 Graduates -
Part 5:

2020 Graduates -
Part 6:


Baccalaureate Program

2020 Graduates
Baccalaureate Degree Recipients:

Program Spotlight -
Industrial Automation:

 

Early College

2020 Graduates -
Early College:

Spotlight -
Early College:

 

Program Highlights

There's a pathway
for everyone

Program Spotlight -
Health Sciences:

Program Spotlight -
College Safety:


Retirement Spotlight

Spotlight -
Corny Rodriguez Retirement:

Spotlight -
Sandi Taylor Retirement: