More than 950 students will walk into DeVore Stadium for the 58th annual Commencement Ceremony and make history once again for being the largest graduating class. The ceremony on May 24 will mark another record year for Southwestern College commencement ceremonies, which has broken its attendance record for the past several years.
“Commencement is a time of celebration, and marks the end of a student’s chapter at Southwestern College,” said Superintendent/President Kindred Murillo. “As we say goodbye to our Jaguars, we look to them to change our world, to improve our communities and to become the greatest generation of thinkers and leaders.”
Each year, Southwestern College’s graduating class grows as the district expands its services and opportunities to students seeking to transfer, earn a degree or certificate or get a better job through Career Education programs.
Among those honored are Chula Vista Mayor Mary Casillas Salas, a proud Southwestern College alumna, who is receiving an honorary degree for her being one of Southwestern College’s most inspirational alumni and for her work, dedication and public service to the people of Chula Vista.
“Southwestern College was there for me and it’s there for whoever wants to access it,” Salas said. “You will never be stuck if you want to do something more with your life because you’ll always have Southwestern College.”
Also being granted honorary degrees are the directors of the Lipp Family Foundation — Charles Hayes and William Barkhurst. The foundation has awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to Southwestern College science and math majors.
The ceremony begins at 4 p.m. and gates open at 2 p.m. Families and attendees are encouraged to arrive early. Parking Lot J will have limited access to accommodate disabled parking and parking Lot O is one of the largest parking lots closest to DeVore Stadium.
Overflow will be accommodated in the gym on the first floor of the Wellness & Aquatics Complex, right next to DeVore Stadium, where a livestream of the ceremony will air.
Family and friends will not have access to graduates during the ceremony and will be able to meet graduates in Lot J only after the ceremony has concluded.
Families and attendees who cannot attend are encouraged to visit www.swccd.edu/commencement to view a livestream of the ceremony.
