To honor and celebrate the class of 2020 during the COVID pandemic this Spring, GWC hosted a virtual commencement celebration online and a drive-through graduation parade
This Spring, Golden West College awarded over 3,000 AA degrees, along with 730 Associate Degrees for Transfer, and 2,183 Certificates of Completion. Almost 200 graduates were international students, representing 10 different countries.
The GWC Graduation Committee worked diligently on ways to celebrate the students’ accomplishments, while protecting the health and safety of our graduates and loved ones.
“Overall, I think the virtual graduation celebration honored our students and allowed them to be seen, celebrated, and congratulated for their accomplishments,” said Carla Martinez, Ed.D., dean of students & library, and Title IX coordinator.
“We wanted our graduates to feel good in that their graduation year would be unique and special from any other graduating class. Our solution was to offer a virtual graduation celebration that gave our students the opportunity to upload a photo, slide, and video message that could be viewed by friends and family from around the world.”
Celebrations on wheels
GWC also hosted a graduation parade through the campus parking lot. “Students and loved ones cruised the GWC parking lot in decorated cars and were greeted with cheers from faculty, staff, and administrators!” explained Martinez. “The look of joy on the students’ faces was priceless. I even saw some tears in the eyes of our GWC faculty and staff. The parade route was full of happiness! It was a special event and I truly think that our graduates felt honored, celebrated, and connected to the college, albeit from their cars.”
Visit www.goldenwestcollege.edu/graduation/ to see a complete recording of the 53rd Annual Golden West College 2020 Commencement Ceremony.
