BC to Celebrate 111ᵗʰ Commencement Ceremony

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Bakersfield College is preparing to hold its 111th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 16, at 7:00PM at historic Memorial Stadium. More than 3,000 students are eligible to graduate this year, with over 2,000 expected to participate in the ceremony and walk the stage. Families, friends, and the wider Kern County community are invited to celebrate the graduates as they take the next step in their academic, professional, and personal journeys.

This year’s ceremony also marks a major milestone for the college – the graduation of the 50,000th student in Bakersfield College’s history. This achievement underscores more than a century of educational excellence and the college’s enduring commitment to student success and community impact.

Among this year’s graduating class are 438 Early College students earning their associate degrees before finishing high school, and over 30 students completing bachelor's degrees in Industrial Automation and Research Laboratory Technology.

Before the ceremony, Bakersfield College will be hosting several Pre-Commencement celebrations for on-campus affinity groups that are open to the community.

The Commencement ceremony will begin with a formal procession of graduates, faculty, and platform party members, followed by brief remarks from campus leadership and a student representative.

After degrees are conferred and students walk the stage, the ceremony will conclude with a long-held tradition – a celebratory fireworks display.

The ceremony will be live streamed on the Bakersfield College YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person. Students are encouraged to visit BC’s commencement guide for ceremony details, and guests can visit the guest information page to view parking and shuttle service information.