Crafton Hills College Virtual Commencement Celebrates Graduating Class of 2021
Publish Date: June 22, 2021
Crafton Hills College virtually celebrated 758 graduates of the class of 2021 who earned 855 degrees and 616 certificates amid a global pandemic. The virtual commencement ceremony was streamed live on the College’s Website, YouTube, and Facebook on Wednesday, May 26.
The event incorporated all traditional elements of an in-person ceremony, including an opening video montage with “Pomp and Circumstance” played over self-recorded videos of faculty and staff waving and cheering for the graduates.
Outgoing student senate president and class of 2021 graduate Jake Fuller opened the virtual ceremony by leading the audience in a salute to the flag followed by fellow graduate, Audrey Ortiz, singing the National Anthem.
Crafton Hills College President Dr. Kevin Horan remarked about the importance of this moment, and San Bernardino Community College District Board of Trustees Chair Dr.Anne L.Viricel commended the class for overcoming the challenges of the remote learning environment. The keynote address speaker, Dr. Margaret Hill, Board Member of the San Bernardino City School District Board of Education, stated, “You’ve had a turbulent time, but you’ve made it. And you should be so proud of your success.”
Student commencement speaker Ashley Mascarenhas shared a message of hope and pride with the graduates.When asked about her experience at Crafton, she shared,“I am incredibly proud to be part of the class of 2021. I made the decision to return to school and pursue my education at the age of 29 in the fall of 2019. It was the best decision I made because for the first time in my life, I made it for myself.”
Mascarenhas has made the most of her time at Crafton serving as an honors ambassador,as the president and founder of the Multicultural Club, and as an active member of the Gay-Pril and AAPI committees.
“I am an empowered first-generation college student and woman of color that shares this moment wholeheartedly with her parents, immigrants of Samoa and Pakistan. My parents both instilled the values of hard work, humility, and always helping others before [yourself]. I dedicate this educational milestone to both,” continued Mascarenhas. “As for Crafton, this journey has meant the world to me, and I will carry the Roadrunner pride with me forever.”
Individual recognition was given to each participant who had his or her name read aloud while an accompanying slide included a photo, personal quotation, degree earned, any honors designations, and any affiliations with programs and groups at Crafton.
The event concluded with an encouraging wordfromBrandiBailes,whoservesas the College’s academic senate president: “Crafton Hills College faculty are cheering for you because we know how exceptional you are.We are grateful that you chose us to be a part of your accomplishments. Congratulations to the very hard-working class of 2021.”
Graduates and their families are encouraged to join in the celebration by using #chcgrad2021 when posting on their social media accounts.The recorded event can be viewed at www.craftonhills. edu/commencement.
