Drive-Thru Commencement Live Streamed on YouTube, May 22
Lisa McPheron
Director of Campus Communications
714-992-7014 | lmcpheron@fullcoll.edu
Fullerton College is excited to welcome the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 to a Drive-Thru Commencement Celebration on Saturday, May 22 at 9 a.m. Nearly 700 graduates will return to campus to participate in the festive and interactive drive-thru experience.
The event will not have spectators, however, friends, family, and loved ones are encouraged to watch a live stream of the event on the Fullerton College YouTube Channel.
“Because Covid-19 has been a moving target for most of the academic year, the Commencement planning team researched the best way to honor both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021. This modified version of Commencement is complete with five drive-thru experiences to give grads the opportunity to celebrate this important milestone,” said Student Life and Leadership Director Naomi Abesamis.
The 2020-2021 academic year marks the sixth consecutive year of growth in the number of students earning associate degrees with 4,155 degrees applied for during the last academic year. During the 2019-2020 academic year, Fullerton College awarded 3,685 degrees. Some of the 2019-2020 graduates will be present at the commencement celebration on May 22, since the in-person celebration was canceled in 2020.
The event will begin at the Fullerton College parking structure and weave through campus parking lots to a non-traditional stage located near Sherbeck Field. Graduates can expect to hear a live DJ and receive a branded gift pack as they enter the drive-thru route, as well as be cheered on by volunteers consisting of faculty, staff and managers along various spots on the route. Toward the end of the route, each graduate will receive a diploma cover, provided by Associated Students, and will be directed to “cross” a stage, by driving through a decorated area where President Greg Schulz, NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Cheryl Marshall and members of the NOCCCD Board of Trustees will be cheering and waving as vehicles exit the route.
“The event was designed with fun and safety in mind,” Abesamis said. Student Life and Leadership has collaborated with various departments across the campus to pull together resources and services to create a memorable commencement experience.”
Graduates have been preparing for the excitement the last few weeks of the spring semester. During the week of May 17, graduates could schedule photo session appointments, and pick up graduation regalia at the Fullerton College Bookstore. Many have also taken to social media to share their excitement.
The Commencement Drive-Thru Celebration on May 22 will be live streamed on Fullerton College YouTube beginning at 9 a.m. For more information visit https://commencement.fullcoll.edu/
