Record 1,490 Students Graduate From Allan Hancock College
MAY 27, 2022 -- Allan Hancock College celebrated another record-setting year during the college’s 101st commencement ceremony.
Nearly 500 graduates participated in an in-person commencement ceremony on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus on Friday, May 27. The event marked a return to a traditional graduation ceremony after the college hosted “drive-through” commencement events in 2020 and 2021.
“I know the last couple of years have been challenging, but you rose to the challenge, and I know that each of you is well-prepared to achieve greatness after you walk across this stage today,” said Hancock Board of Trustees President Jeffery Hall. “I hope you will look back on your time here at Hancock with both fondness and pride.”
This year, a record-breaking 1,490 students earned 2,213 associate degrees and 959 certificates of achievement across 101 different majors. In addition, 32 percent of Hancock’s class of 2022 received the Hancock Promise, a popular program that provides the first year of college tuition-free for local high school students. The 101st graduating class also boasted the highest transfer rate to Cal Poly SLO, 68 percent, with a total of 186 Bulldog graduates committed to becoming Mustangs in the fall.
“You have worked tirelessly to finish your education while struggling through an unprecedented pandemic, economic turmoil, and grappling with social strife not seen in decades,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “You persevered because you knew the value of an education. As Hancock graduates, you are the future of our community and I know you will go on to change your odds, your family’s odds, and our community’s odds.”
Many of this year’s graduates already started making their mark with impressive accomplishments during their time at Hancock. A total of 362 graduates received honors for having 3.5-3.99 grade-point averages (GPAs), and 45 received high honors for 4.0 GPAs. Attendees at the ceremony were treated to several stories about inspiring Hancock graduates and their remarkable achievements. Those included Peggy Joyce Johnson, who graduated with a degree in arts and humanities at the age of 87, and Jayden Yamamoto, who earned a total of 12 degrees, more than any other student in his graduating class.
“Each of you has a unique journey, your own story of perseverance and overcoming challenges to achieve your degrees,” said Hancock Interim Vice President of Student Services John Colson, Ed.D. “You represent the greatness of Allan Hancock College.”
Associated Student Body Government President Marcela Viveros also addressed the graduates, reminding them that graduating from Hancock was just the beginning of their journey to success.
“Your graduation serves as a launching pad, leading to whatever you want to do next,” said Viveros. “Use this as an example of what is possible when you put your mind to it.”
Speaking to the graduates on behalf of Hancock’s faculty, History Professor Roger Hall praised the class of 2022 for overcoming unprecedented challenges urged them to continue to achieve their goals.
“Figure out what your dream is, and how you can turn that dream into a reality,” said Hall, who has been teaching at Hancock since 1996. “The only way to do that is to work hard and continue to be educated … don’t settle and never fear failure.”
As Hancock’s class of 2022 moves on to their next adventure, registration for summer and fall classes at Hancock is ongoing. Summer classes begin June 13, and fall classes begin Aug. 15.
To learn more about the Hancock, visit www.hancockcollege.edu.
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Photo Caption: Hancock’s record-breaking class of 2022 celebrates with an in-person commencement May 27.
