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.
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.
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:
Photos
Early College Celebration
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.
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