Chaffey College awarded an estimated 6,400 degrees and certificates to more than 3,100 students, representing a 10.5 percent increase from the previous year. It is the largest number of degrees and certificates awarded in the college’s history.

The awards include more than 4,000 associate’s degrees. That’s 5 percent more than what the class of 2019 earned the 2018-2019 academic year. And the estimated number of certificates to be awarded has jumped 20 percent from last year.

“The class of 2020 stands out in Chaffey College history for many reasons,” said Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry Shannon. “More than 80 percent are from historically underrepresented groups and they finished strong despite facing the challenges of the coronavirus. We are proud of all of these students and wish them well as they enter the workforce or move on to more advanced study at four-year colleges and universities.”

The youngest student in the class of 2020 is 17-years-old and the oldest is 78. More than 54 percent of students earned multiple degrees and certificates and 350 students are expected to earn four or more awards.

Chaffey’s commencement ceremony has been postponed in compliance with local, state and federal health recommendations due to Covid-19.

Students instead participated in a “Grad Fest” drive-thru event on May 20 at all three campuses, where they were greeted by faculty and staff and received a “grad bag” containing a graduation hat and tassel, as well as other commemorative items. Numerous graduation activities also took place during Zoom conferences. The college will send degrees and certificates to students in late summer.

Dolores Holguin of Upland came to Grad Fest to celebrate her completion of two degree programs in the fall. She has since started pursuing a nursing degree at Azusa Pacific University.

“Obviously, I’m disappointed to not have a commencement for my family to be at, but I’m thankful for this. I was hopeful for anything,” she said.

Mac Gerungan of Riverside also arrived early to get his “grad bag.” The 67-year-old has worked in aviation maintenance for many years, but decided to get an aviation maintenance technology degree so he can become a manager.

“I’m proud I’m here at Chaffey,” he said.

More than 700 students participated in Grad Fest.

– Contributed by Chaffey College