Cerro Coso honors graduates during 48th Commencement Exercise

Cerro Coso Community College bid farewell to more than 466 students during their 48th Commencement Exercise held in the Gymnasium of the Raymond A. McCue Athletic Complex on Friday, May 13.

Friends, relatives, staff, and faculty gathered to honor the Class of 2022 from the Ridgecrest campus, including the East Kern Center: Tehachapi, Edwards Air Force Base, Lake Isabella and CC Online.

Of the 466 graduates, 446 were awarded Associate of Arts Degrees, 108 Associate of Science Degrees, 179 Associate Degrees for Transfer, 221 received Certificates of Achievements and one Job Skills Certificate. A record breaking grand total of 955 degrees and certificates were awarded. Eighteen students are 4.0 graduates, six graduated with honors and 77 were Phi Theta Kappa honor graduates. Thirty four students graduated from the Cerro Coso Promise Program and 17 of the graduates are still in high school.

Retired Counseling Professor Penny Talley served as the Faculty Marshall for the ceremony.

Honored guests included Kern Community College District (KCCD) Chancellor Dr. Sonya Christian, KCCD Board of Trustee Nan Gomez-Heitzeberg (Vice President) and Yovani Jimenez.

“Not only have you accomplished this milestone but you have done so under tremendous uncertainty and stress due to the ongoing pandemic of 2020,” said Dr. Sean Hancock, Cerro Coso president. “You kept your eyes focused on your goals and you persisted in the face of adversity. My sincerest congratulations.”

Two graduates addressed the assemblage from the Ridgecrest Campus: Quinn Falconer and Taylir De Stefano.

Honored faculty retirees: Dr. Jon Heaton (26 years), Dr. Matt Hightower (31 Years), Dr. Annette Hodgins (12 Years) and Penny Talley (24 years).

“The future is yours…and you are prepared! Thank you for making Cerro Coso Community College a partner in your education,” concluded Dr. Hancock.