Every May means something special for many students at Bakersfield College – graduation.
BC will be holding its 110th commencement Friday, May 10 at Memorial Stadium. According to Dr. Nicky Damania with the Office of Student Life, this is a step forward for both students and the school, as new president Dr. Jerry E. Fliger is set to take the podium for the first time.
Dr. Damania said over 3,200 BC students are eligible to graduate this spring semester, and about 1,600 of those students have signed up to attend the commencement.
“It’s a triumphant step forward in your road to success,” said Dr. Damania. “Graduation is quite exciting… I encourage all students to attend.”
The ceremony will also include an overview of the school’s history, as well as the “usual fireworks,” Dr. Damania said.
According to BC’s website, over 800 students are set to transfer to California State University, Bakersfield in the fall. Additionally, 17 students will be earning a Baccalaureate of Science in Industrial Automation.
Several students enrolled in the Early College program will also be walking the commencement stage – earning their associate’s degrees while still being in high school.
The main commencement isn’t the only celebration happening on May 10; there are several pre-commencement ceremonies students can participate in, including ceremonies for African American students, Chicano or Latino students, LGBTQIA+ students, Baccalaureate students, Delano campus students and students who are veterans.
If you are eligible to graduate, there is still time to submit your graduation petition, according to Dr. Damania. However, you may not get a response regarding your petition right away as the school is still processing petitions, and your name will not appear in the graduation program.

For more information on commencement and pre-commencement ceremonies, you can visit BC’s website.