VCCCD Celebrates Class of 2021 Graduates
The Californer/10137210

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- Not even a pandemic could stop this year's graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges from pursuing—and achieving—their educational goals. In recognition of what these resilient students have accomplished, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,370 students in the class of 2021 who have earned their degrees or certificates.

Festive Drive-Thru Graduations were held on May 20 at each college's campus and Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula.

"We are always proud of our graduates and all that they accomplish, but this year's graduates hold a special honor for their persistence in completing their education when most of their classes were remote," said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. "As these students become VCCCD alumni, they are well-prepared for their next steps of a career or transferring to a four-year college or university."

"The board of trustees recognizes the successes of the class of 2021 graduates," said Chair Joshua Chancer. "Despite the pandemic, students worked on their academics and important causes, such as diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and the community.

More on The Californer

• Syreeta Thompson Trumpet Lady Releases New Single 'With You I'm Born Again' via Lady Trumpet Records
• Limitless Adventures & Surf Education Academy Partner for Adaptive Surfing Event at La Jolla Shores
• New Live Webcam Launched at Inspiration Ridge Preserve in Homer, Alaska
• Experience the Rhythm of Tradition: Garba Fusion Workshop with Neer Shah in Los Angeles on August 25
• DrJoe Launches Fundraising Campaign to Empower Autism Nonprofit With Donor Support and AI-Driven Fun

As part of the celebration activities, graduating students are being highlighted in a virtual yearbook on Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges' graduation webpages. Like traditional bound yearbooks, the online version includes photos of participating graduates along with their information and photos of campus life. The 2020 virtual yearbooks took gold in the statewide 2021 Pro Awards by the Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO).

The community is invited to visit each college's webpage to watch graduation speeches by District and college leadership and student leaders. The Ventura College Chorus also performs the "Star-Spangled Banner" via video.

Inspired by the graduates' achievements, the college presidents offered these heartfelt words:

"Congratulations to Moorpark College graduates who have been resilient in the face of a global pandemic and reckoning with social justice; they have also committed to academic and career success," said Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu. "We are proud that the class of 2021 has earned 3,209 degrees and 1,535 certificates. They will transfer to top research universities as well as obtain careers in high-demand, high-wage industries. Moorpark College degrees and certificates offer graduates pathways to economic prosperity. Some will earn the promotion that motivated them to return to college. They are the future of our county, region, state and nation."

More on The Californer

• California and Denmark sign new partnership on climate, technology efforts
• Mastery Coding Acquires STEM Forged, Cements Position as the K12 Industry Leader in Academic Esports and Game Design Solutions for U.S. Schools
• Seized Bougie Estate Court-Ordered Auction Set for August 23 in Chattanooga
• Learn About Southeast Ventura County YMCA Youth & Government Programs At Upcoming Information Meeti
• Visitors to the Florida Keys Can Receive 15 Percent Off With The 90-Day Advance Purchase Rate Discount From KeysCaribbean

Access the virtual yearbooks here:
https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/landing-page/class-2021-virtual-yearbook
https://www.oxnardcollege.edu/landing-page/class-2021-virtual-yearbook
https://www.venturacollege.edu/landing-page/cla...