Pasadena City College To Host Pandemic-Friendly “Car-mmencement”

INSIDE OUR SCHOOLS

Pasadena City College (Photo – Janine T.)

In a decades-old annual tradition, more than 1,000 graduates and their families will drive to Pasadena City College this June to celebrate the completion of their studies.

Except this year, they won’t be getting out of their cars.

By Alex Boekelheide

PCC will host its first “Car-mmencement” graduation celebration Saturday, June 12, producing a once-in-a-lifetime experience to honor its graduates. A car line of successful students will parade through the Colorado Blvd campus, replacing speeches and ceremony with selfies and celebration.

The event highlights the classes of 2020 and 2021. Last year’s graduating class did not have a Commencement ceremony because of shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Erika Endrijonas, superintendent/president of Pasadena City College, said:

Everyone at PCC is so excited to welcome our students back to campus – and we’re even more excited to see them head off to their next adventure. The past 15 months have been unlike anything that we expected, and we know our students have been hit harder than anyone. We are so proud to have helped them complete their studies in the face of this pandemic.”

When festivities start at 9:00 am, student vehicles will enter campus from Del Mar Blvd. They will snake their way through PCC’s parking lots, past its career education programs and the Veterans Resource Center, alongside the swimming pool, past Lancers Pass and live student music and dance groups, through the Quad, and ultimately pause for an unforgettable photo op in front of the iconic Horace Mann Building facing Colorado Blvd. Faculty, staff, and well-wishers will line the route cheering and celebrating the students’ achievements.

The event is being planned with close attention to COVID-19 regulations and public safety guidelines. Pre-registration for the ceremony ended May 24, and no drive-up participants will be allowed. Participants are limited to one car of family or friends, and all visitors must remain seated throughout the duration of the parade. PCC encourages every member of the community to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but is not requiring vaccinations. Therefore, masks covering the nose and mouth must be worn during any time car windows are open.

The event will be livestreamed at youtube.com/pcclancer. For more information, visit pasadena.edu/commencement.

Alex Boekelheide is Special Assistant to the Superintendent/President at Pasadena City College.