Commencement Central: 50th Ceremony
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50th Commencement
May 26, 2017
Gateway Plaza
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Post your celebratory photographs on social media with the hashtags
#CyProud and #CypressAlum
Photos
Video
Cypress College is proud to present a live broadcast of the 50th Commencement. An alternate broadcast was archived via Facebook Live.
Audio
Listen to the full 50th Commencement ceremony, including the pre-event music, the presentations, and the roll call of graduates!
Who’s Speaking?
Commencement Program
Social
Be sure to post your celebratory photographs on social media and please include the hashtags #CyProud and #CypressAlum
Cypress College Alumni Sites
A Message from Cypress College President Dr. Bob Simpson
Cypress College’s 50th commencement carries extra significance because milestones connect us more deeply with our roots. In addition to your studies this academic year, the various anniversary events brought back former students and faculty — people who helped shape the education you received here at Cypress College. As a college community, we are indeed fortunate to share our successes with those who came before and those who sit with us today.
Today we celebrate. Commencement is a joyous time for our graduates because it marks the completion of a significant endeavor and leads to the next phase of their lives. Likewise, it is a celebratory time for the institution as well because we are so proud of the Class of 2017. Earning a college degree is no easy task. It requires substantial commitment of time, energy, and focus. Graduates, allow yourselves time to reflect upon your achievement and celebrate it. It is also my hope that you think about your next step — whether that is transfer to a university, entering the workforce, or seeking promotion at a current job. Commencement is indeed a time of celebration and conclusion. It is also a time of beginning — a time for you to forge a new path into your future.
Likewise, this is a time of revitalization, innovation and re-birth at Cypress College. We’re at work on a new Science, Engineering and Mathematics building and a state-of-the-art Veterans Resource Center, the result of our successful Measure J facilities bond campaign. In the fall, we’ll begin instruction for our Funeral Services baccalaureate degree as one of 15 California community colleges selected for a prestigious pilot program. Regional, state and national recognition of the College validates the essence and importance of our mission, which is reflected in the success of this year’s graduating class.
Today’s commencement ceremony is rooted in centuries old traditions that affirms our students’ acquisition of the knowledge and skills required for acceptance into the community of learners. It is validated by the conferral of their degrees. This signature ritual provides an occasion for students, faculty and staff members, family members and guests, to acknowledge and celebrate the achievement of this significant academic milestone. At Cypress College, our culminating award is an Associate degree. Today, those students who have met the test stand as Cypress College graduates.
To those graduates, I ask that as you move on to the next phase of your lives, please remain connected to Cypress College. Let the teachers, counselors and staff members who helped you along the way know how much you appreciate their efforts. And if, in the future, you are in a position to help us support the success of students who will follow you, we would welcome your involvement. Finally, because this is my final commencement prior to retirement, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity and privilege I have had to lead this premier institution.
Congratulations Class of 2017!
Commencement 2017
YOUR BIG DAY!
The Commencement Ceremony will be held Friday, May 26, 2017. The ceremony will be held in the front of the college in Gateway Plaza.
Schedule of events
5 p.m. Gathering in the Theater (Building 4)
6 p.m. Commencement Ceremony begins; Reception immediately following
The ceremony will feature faculty, special guests, and various speakers.
Please plan to attend a reception for graduates, family and friends, as well as faculty and staff, immediately after the ceremony.
Refreshments will be served compliments of the Associated Students.
DIPLOMA
You will not receive your actual diploma on commencement evening. Instead, you will receive your diploma cover as you cross the stage.
The Admissions and Records Office will send your diploma after verification that all requirements have been met.
GUESTS
Your family and friends are welcome at Commencement 2017. There is no limit to the number of guests graduates may invite. Guests should park in lots 1 and 9 (easiest access to the Commencement Ceremony). The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. It will last approximately 2 hours. Food will be sold, flowers, balloons, graduation memorabilia, etc., will be available for purchase before and after the ceremony (under the tent). Please show respect for the graduates — no bullhorns or other artificial noisemakers please.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Audience members are requested to remain seated during the ceremony.
Photographs can be taken in Gateway Plaza after the ceremony. Students will have their photos taken as they graduate by a professional photographer from Grad Images. Proofs of photos will be sent to students soon after graduation.
Cypress College President, Dr. Bob Simpson, will also be available for photos with students after the ceremony.
Promotional photos taken by college staff will be posted in Commencement Central.
PARTICIPATION
Please be dressed in your cap and gown by 5 p.m. Do not bring a handbag or backpack since there is no one to watch your personal items. You can leave them with a family member. You will be given final instructions for the line-up at that time, and you will be handed a 3 x 5 card to print your name on. As you walk toward the stage, you will hand the card to the reader so your name can be announced. Once your name is announced, you’ll proceed onto stage and be presented with your diploma cover.
No Assigned Seats
There is no assigned seating for students taking part in commencement. You’ll be able to sit next to special friends who are graduating with you.
CAPS and GOWNS
Caps and Gowns are required for the ceremony.
The commencement caps and gowns will be available for distribution at the Student Activities Center (Building 8), located south of the pond in the center of campus, on the following dates and times:
May 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 2017
Monday through Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
NOTES:
- You will be purchasing your cap & gown for $25 at the campus Bookstore. Checks, money orders, cash, and credit cards (Visa and/or Mastercard only) are accepted. A pink purchase card was mailed to those eligible to participate in commencement. Please bring this card to the campus Bookstore for payment, then come to the Student Activities Center for pick-up of your cap and gown.
- If you are using a previous graduate’s gown you must purchase your tassel and diploma cover as they hand out the covers at the graduation and we also need a count of everyone that is walking. The cost of the cover and tassel are $12 which you can purchase at the student activity center.
- If you have a GPA of 3.75 – 4.0 you will receive a High Honors Gold Cord when you pick up your cap and gown. If your GPA is 3.30 – 3.74 you will receive Honors which is a Silver Cord.
GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
and CLASS RINGS
Graduation announcements and class rings are available for purchase through Jostens.
Jostens
Website: www.jostens.com
Order forms are available in the Bookstore:
Monday-Thursday 7:45 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday 7:45 a.m.-12 p.m.
Generic Graduation Announcements are available for purchase in the Bookstore.
Commencement Information
If you have any questions or concerns please call:
Becky Rojas, Student Activities Office
(714) 484-7199 or rrojas@cypresscollege.edu