Merced College 2022 commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday
Merced College officials are gearing up for in-person commencement ceremonies, scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday at the school’s Stadium ‘76.
According to a news release, it will be the first traditional graduation Merced College has held since 2019.
“Graduation is one of the most special and memorable moments in a person’s life,” Merced College President Chris Vitelli said in the release.
“I am proud of how creative and nimble our college has been in celebrating our graduates the past two years, but we are truly excited to be able to honor this year’s class without restrictions.”
Pending any changes in public health guidance, no masking or distancing restrictions are expected to be in place,although health and safety protocols are encouraged, the release said.
Tickets are not required for entry, and the ceremony can also be viewed via livestream at the campus’ YouTube page.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced the college to adopt a virtual format for graduation in 2020, with graduates receiving special video messages and a gift box in lieu of a full graduation ceremony.
The festivities returned to campus in 2021, but due to ongoing public health restrictions, each ceremony was limited to 200 graduates, and only two guest tickets were given to each graduate, to ensure enough space for physical distancing, the release said.
Masks were also required, and the classes of 2020 and 2021 were recognized in four separate ceremonies over two days.
About 1,150 students from the Class of 2022 are eligible to participate in this year’s graduation ceremony, and a total of 3,007 degrees and certificates were earned in the 2021-22 academic year.
The most popular degrees among this year’s graduates were: AS-T in Business Administration, AS-T in Administration of Justice, AA-T in Psychology, AA-T in Sociology, AA in Social and Behavioral Science, AA in Psychology, AA in Health Science, AS-T in Early Childhood Education, AA-T in Elementary Teacher Education, the release said.
The Class of 2022 includes more than 300 students who are graduating with honors, having earned a grade-point average of 3.50 or better with a minimum of 45 units completed.
And 50 of those students will earn Superintendent’s Honors by maintaining a GPA of 4.0 with at least 36 units completed.
“Students have endured many challenges and hardships in recent years, and they have persevered,” Board of Trustees President John Pedrozo said in the release.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone at Merced College, we congratulate the Class of 2022 for their dedication, their resilience, and their remarkable achievements.”