This year’s 56th annual Bakersfield College Barbecue on Sept. 16 to aid the Bakersfield College Athletic Department was a great success, according to this year’s coordinator Hannah Egland.
There were an estimated 750 guests who experienced the food that was prepared by chefs Pat Coyle and Alex Gomez, along with students of the culinary arts program.
Entertainment for the evening included the musical sound of our local Tony Ernst Band and performances by the BC cheer team and drumline. Throughout the evening, guests were able to browse the BC bookstore booth, grab a cold drink from the various beverage booths, and even enjoy some Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to beat some of the heat.
A couple of attendees received free concert tickets to go see Carrie Underwood in the raffle drawings.
The night finally wound down with the introduction of all the student athletes and coaches.
After 55 years of hosting the barbecue, the Alumni Association decided to collaborate with the Bakersfield College Foundation allowing them to host this year’s barbecue event. Bakersfield College President, Greg Chamberlain said, “We are just very excited to have the Alumni barbecue back on campus. It’s been way too long. It’s a great night, a great evening, and it’s great to see all our community members come on out to support all our student athletes.”
Bakersfield College athletic director Jan Stuebbe gave special thanks to all the sponsors, guests and all who supported the athletic department.
These annual barbecues are the only fundraising event that the Alumni Association is able to give in support of the student athletes and athletic department. It has become one of their biggest events. According to alumni president and cheer team coach Becky Whitson, the BC Alumni Association is one of the oldest and largest alumni associations throughout California and possibly even the nation.
It was first founded back in 1943 by alumni member John Boydstun, who was a BC cheerleader back during the year 1938 and is still an active member today.