GCCC To Livestream 100th Commencement Ceremony

GCCC

[Garden City, KS] May 6, 2020 – Garden City Community College is excited to announce that it will be livestreaming a virtual commencement program to recognize its 100th graduating class this Friday, May 8, 2020.

This year’s 100th Commencement Ceremony will be livestreamed on YouTube’s Buster TV and begins at 7 p.m. CST. Viewers can watch at https://youtu.be/b_vt6oB12wY.

Just over 350 students of GCCC’s 508 candidates for degrees and certificates this year will be recognized individually during the live program. These candidates represent the largest graduating class in GCCC history.

GCCC, which was founded in 1919, graduated its first student – Mildred Hope – in 1920. Hope, a non-traditional transfer student, graduated with at least 60 credit hours, the minimum required at the time.

The time and date for Friday’s virtual commencement mirror GCCC’s original in-person commencement ceremony, which is normally held on campus inside Conestoga Arena.

Earlier this semester, college leadership made the difficult decision to cancel in-person commencement in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and limitations on public gatherings issued by state and local health officials.

GCCC President Dr. Ryan Ruda has said the college’s decision was “not one made lightly,” as this year’s graduating class represents the 100th graduating class, a historic milestone for the institution and a special moment for the Class of 2020.

“Commencement is a time to honor the hard work, dedication, and, in some cases, sacrifices that students have made to learn and to grow,” Dr. Ruda said. “At GCCC, we believe these achievements deserve to be recognized by their individual merits. We want our students and their loved ones to be able to celebrate in a meaningful and personal way.”

Friday’s program will feature a welcome message, the national anthem, a commencement address, interviews from select student speakers, presentation of the college class, conferment of degrees, and congratulatory messages from select staff, faculty, and GCCC’s Board of Trustees.

Viewers and supporters are encouraged to share messages of support and encouragement during the livestream through YouTube’s live chat tool.

Messages can also be shared on social media (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) by tagging Garden City Community College or by using #GCCC100thClass.

More information about Friday’s program is included in the digital program attached. A printed copy of the program will be updated to include the names of all 508 candidates for degrees and certificates in May, and copies will be sent to all members of GCCC’s 100th graduating class.

A recording of Friday’s program will be available on Buster TV on www.youtube.com following the livestream: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=buster+tv.

Higher quality image(s) are available upon request. Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.