The 2025 Transfer Celebration was hosted April 28 in the Renegade Event Center. This event gave spotlights to the graduates for completing their two years here at Bakersfield College and showcased where these students will be transferring to in the upcoming semester.

The students and their guests were served food and dessert as well as a variety refreshments options. Allowing all guest enough time to finish their plates, Vice President with student affairs Cesar Jimenez began to speak and applauded “we work for you [students], to see you walk the stage and get that degree.” Not only is this to show a dedicated group of students completing the courses within two years but also show where the knowledge achieved from BC can take these scholars.

Educational Advisor for transfer pathways Rodrigo Rios, encouraged students to receive a bachelor’s degree and that “Once you get that bachelor’s degree, no one else can take that away from you because you did all the work.” Giving motivation on how schooling has no limits despite what others may think. After his strong advice he began to announce the transfer students and what institution they would be attending.

Each student was awarded a transfer medal to show their great work completed during their time at BC. After each student got their spotlight, guest speaker Nicole Medina shared that about 70% of students who participated in this event were transferring to California State University Bakersfield (CSUB). Maria Flores, student at BC, explained her reasoning for choosing CSUB was because it was the cheapest option and it’s conveniently nearby.

Other California State Universities (CSU) students would be transferring to are ones such as Northridge, Fresno, San Bernardino, Fullerton, Long Beach, Monterey Bay, Chico and San Luis Obispo.

A few other students announced their attendance at UC Santa Barbra, UC Irvine, UC Merced, with one student attending Arizona State University.

Afterwards, sparkling cider was poured around the room to share a toast for the future career of these scholars. Students are now ready to walk the stage at the Commencement Ceremony on May 16 at 7 p.m.