Long Beach Community College District (LBCCD) expects the largest graduating classes in college history this year with more than 2,200 students who are candidates for Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees, and more than 800 students who are candidates for Certificates of Achievement.

“Congratulations goes out not only to our amazing students but also to the many people at Long Beach Community College District who helped them achieve their goal,” said LBCCD Board of Trustees President Sunny Zia. “Thanks to the leadership of Dr. Romali, our faculty and staff who have worked so hard in this past academic year to help our students accomplish this amazing feat.”

A few highlights from today’s Commencement Ceremony and re-cap of this academic year:

More than 800 students participated in the annual Commencement Ceremony at Long Beach City College’s Veterans Memorial Stadium tonight, June 6.

249 LBCC students achieved Honors by earning a 3.500 – 3.749 cumulative grade point average; 139 students achieved High Honors (3.75 – 3.99 cumulative grade point average); and 69 students achieved Highest Honors, a perfect 4.00 cumulative grade point average. 

LBCC student Jay Frisher was selected as the 2019 Valedictorian. Frisher is a veteran The New York native came to Long Beach City College after tours with the U.S. Marines, to which he credits providing him with a different realization about life as a college student. His speech was to encourage his fellow students not to allow labels to define their success.

ABC7 broadcast journalist Veronica Miracle served as the keynote speaker and shared her story about her father who was sent to prison while she was in high school. She encouraged students to take charge and write their own story.

Community member Loyd Wilcox represented the Long Beach City College alumni at the ceremony and presented his grandson, a fourth-generation Viking, his diploma.

LBCC recognized its transfer students during a May 30 ceremony. Approximately 1,300 LBCC students transfer every year to four-year universities and colleges.

More than $1.2 million in scholarship funds was awarded to LBCC students at a ceremony on May 23.

“I am just thrilled to see so many students walking across this stage in tonight’s Commencement Ceremony,” said LBCCD Superintendent-President Reagan Ferragamo Romali, Ph.D. “Commencement is always my favorite day of the year. I’m just bursting with pride and excitement to see a large number of graduates and their families who are cheering them on.”