2013 marks the 100th year that Bakersfield College has been open. To celebrate, on Oct. 9 the BC campus in Delano held a centennial celebration. The celebration was filled with fun, food, and entertainment.
Several events were held on the Delano campus, such as raffles for small scholarships, sign-ups for tutors, a candy giveaway. There was even a Mariachi band and guest speakers.
Helen Culip, who works in admissions at the Delano campus and was also in charge of the steering committee, said it was important to have a separate celebration in Delano so that the students could be a part of it. “It is beneficial for the community to have a community college here because a lot of Delano students cannot make the trip to Bakersfield every day.”
Some students who were in attendance voiced their opinion on what the celebration meant to them. “It is cool to know that BC has been running for 100 years. My grandparents went to the main campus in the ’60s. I love the fact I am continuing the family tradition,” said Krystal Vellido.
The main point of the celebration was to honor the 100 Stars celebration. BC is honoring 100 Renegade alumni for their lifetime success and achievements. The Delano campus kicked off the ceremony by honoring five Delano natives.
The Honorees included Thalia Solario (2009-11), Danny Ordiz (1974-76), Rosalina Rivera (1980-81), Gary Girard (1955-56), Irma Cervantes (1996-97), and Pat Shaffer who taught at BC in the 1970s.
Ralph and Jan Carpenter, founders of the Delano Center, were celebrated and honored for contributions the couple made over 40 years ago.
Rich McCrow, Director of the Delano Center, explained the importance of the Delano Center. “Back in the early ’70s, BC made a promise that we would bring classes up here to Delano, and this whole thing is celebrating 41 years of keeping our promise”
McCrow also went on to explain that the rest of the 100 stars are to be revealed throughout the remainder of the school year.