Hancock Celebrates 2021 Grads With Drive-Through Ceremony
MAY 21, 2021 -- Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of its 100th graduating class with a special drive-through commencement ceremony on May 21 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
More than 500 students from Hancock’s centennial class participated in the safe and socially distanced ceremony and were able to drive onto campus, walk across a stage to receive their diploma and take a photo. The ceremony was also streamed live on Hancock’s website and social media for family members, friends and the public.
This year’s graduation ceremony was held as the college celebrated its centennial anniversary, marking 100 years of changing the odds for students and the community.
“As we look past the end of the pandemic, we see hope on the horizon. We have the opportunity to better define who we want to be as community members,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D., who attended the ceremony and also addressed the graduates in a pre-recorded video address. “As the graduating class of 2021, I implore you to use the skills you’ve learned at Allan Hancock College to be a force for change, honesty and integrity. Be someone who values others and who uses their education to promote the greater good. This may be the end of your journey at Hancock, but this end is just the beginning of a new adventure.”
The college’s class of 2021 includes 1,498 graduates who earned a total of 2,742 degrees. More than 300 of Hancock’s 2021 graduates were recipients of the Hancock Promise, a program that provides graduating high school students in the Allan Hancock Joint Community College District with their first year at Hancock tuition-free. Veterans, first-generation college students, DREAMers and essential workers were all represented in the college’s graduating class.
“As Hancock’s centennial class, you have the special honor of representing the 100-year legacy of this college,” said Allan Hancock College Board of Trustees President Jeffery Hall. “Your contributions to that legacy will continue as you acquire more education or enter the workforce and represent Hancock as alumni.”
The COVID-19 pandemic created unique challenges for Hancock’s 2021 graduates, who spent the academic year taking their classes remotely while also juggling the demands of work, family and their personal lives. With the help of Hancock’s dedicated faculty and employees, as well as a wide array of virtual support services and programs, the class of 2021 was able to successfully graduate despite the unprecedented circumstances.
“Though it was a tough time for us all, I am grateful to be a witness to such resilience from the driven community of students we have here at Allan Hancock College,” said 2021 graduate and Associated Student Body Government President Lenette Espinoza. “What you did was not easy. Every graduate here truly wears their cap and gown like a suit of armor thanks to their valor. This moment is yours.”
Despite those historic challenges, Hancock’s 2021 graduates are well-prepared for the future. In his speech, Walthers noted that college graduates are more likely to vote, more likely to see their lifetime earnings more than double and more likely be engaged in civic activity at higher rates. He added that they are also less likely to be unemployed, more likely to have more stable family lives, and have the opportunity to enjoy a higher standard of living.
“Regardless of their destination, we affirm that they are ready to take on any challenge.” said Walthers. “Our graduates are poised for greatness.”
The commencement ceremony was one of the final events that capped off the college’s centennial celebration. The college will mark the end of its centennial year with a virtual celebration featuring live musical performances and the announcement of the college’s 100 distinguished alumni list on May 22 at 6 p.m. Tickets are free and available to all members of the community at www.hancockcollege.edu/100.
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Photo Caption: Allan Hancock College celebrated the class of 2021 with a safe and socially distanced commencement ceremony on May 21.
