Long Beach City College (LBCC) announced that Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia will be the keynote speaker for the 2021 Commencement Ceremony.

Garcia has been a symbol of leadership and first-hand experience throughout the coronavirus pandemic this past year.

“While losing both his mother and step-father to COVID-19, he has guided Long Beach throughout the pandemic with steadfast honesty, compassion, consistency, empathy and hard work,” said Long Beach Community College District Interim Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz. “These are qualities we look for in a commencement speaker. We want our graduates to be inspired by someone like our Mayor, someone who represents all that is good about our City and our Country.”

An immigrant from Peru, Garcia, and his mother arrived in the United States when he was five-years-old. Since graduating from California State University, Long Beach, he has been a rising star in the community. While employed at LBCC, he was elected to Long Beach City Council and became the City’s 28^th Mayor in 2014. He is the City’s youngest and first elected openly LGBT mayor, and the first person of color to hold the office.

“Long Beach City College was my home for many years. I loved the opportunity it gave me to connect with students and empower them to take on whatever obstacles life threw their way,” said Garcia. “This past year has tested all of us, but we are getting through it by working hard together and persevering. I am excited to be able to join LBCC graduates at their 2021 commencement to celebrate their great achievements and all they’ve overcome.”

For a second year, LBCC will produce a virtual ceremony for those receiving their Associate Degree of Arts, Associate Degree of Sciences, and Certificates of Achievement. LBCC graduates, friends and family will be able to watch the ceremony online.

In addition to the virtual ceremony, the Class of 2021 will be welcomed back to walk in LBCC’s next in-person Commencement Ceremony, along with the Class of 2020. More details will be included on the LBCC Commencement website www.LBCC.edu/Commencement in the near future.