Barstow, CA – Barstow Community College (BCC) will honor its 60th graduating class on Friday, May 15, 2020, in its first ever virtual commencement ceremony. Due to current state and county regulations, BCC is unable to honor and recognize its 480 graduates with their typical pomp and circumstance ceremony. In its place, a virtual ceremony that will commemorate the historical class of 2020, until a physical ceremony can be held, as BCC is committed to having a fall ceremony if they are able.
With social distancing in place, the 2020 Student Speaker, Javon DeGodwin, and 2020 Commencement speaker, Dr. Ted Baca, were able to prerecord their speeches, acknowledging the unprecedented times we are experiencing and encouraging the graduates to continue to rise to the challenge, to rise above, and continue to accomplish their goals.
Javon DeGodwin, graduating with an Associate of Arts, Humanities degree, was given the opportunity in high school to enroll in the Transitional College program at BCC, which allowed certain students to take college classes while in high school. With that privilege, Javon was able to graduate in one full school year at the age of 18. In his one year at BCC, Javon was a member
of the Associated Student Government, a STEP mentor, participated in the Inter-Club Council, a member of AGS and earned grades to graduate with Summa Cum Laude Honors. Javon will continue his education to obtain his bachelor’s degree in music performance and hopes to achieve his lifelong dream of playing music for the rest of his life. Given his options, Javon DeGodwin will commit to California State University Northridge or University of California, Los Angeles.
This year’s Commencement speaker, Dr. Ted Baca, a longtime member of the Barstow Community College Board of Trustees, spent his entire Community College career at Barstow College where he served in the capacity of Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Services, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Professor, Athletic Director, Division Chair and coach. During his tenure at the college, he was named both Teacher of the year and Administrator of the year and was recipient of the College President’s Award. Dr. Baca is a strong advocate of community service and has voluntarily served with a number of organizations. He is committed to empowering people through education and firmly believes it is one of societies highest callings.
Barstow Community College invites not only the college community, but family and friends, supporters and loved ones near and far, to take part in recognizing the hard work and determination of the graduating class of 2020. Tune in to the BCC YouTube channel at 2:30pm for a preshow celebration honoring the graduates, with the ceremony beginning at 3:00pm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IuFuSxL3w0&feature=youtu.be
Notable GPA figures: Cum Laude honors (3.25-3.49) 90 graduates; Magna Cum Laude (3.5-3.74) 108 graduates; Summa Cum Laude (3.75-4.0) 76 graduates.
