SDCCD students earning a record 12,500 degrees and certificates

File photo from San Diego Mesa College’s drive-thru commencement in May 2020.

SDCCD students earning a record 12,500 degrees and certificates

May 18, 2021 | San Diego Community College District

Students at San Diego City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges, and the San Diego College of Continuing Education will earn more than 12,500 degrees and certificates this year while celebrating their accomplishments with virtual and drive-thru commencements beginning May 21.

The 2021 graduations mark the final commencement for San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) Chancellor Constance M. Carroll, who retires July 1. During her record 17 years as Chancellor of the SDCCD, Dr. Carroll awarded more than 150,000 degrees and certificates.

City College and Miramar College kick off the Class of 2021 celebrations with drive-thru events beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 21. The San Diego College of Continuing Education is holding its drive-thru ceremony at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 28, and Mesa College will hold its drive-thru commencement on Friday, June 4, at 11 a.m.

Mesa College is adding a twist this year with a “cart-mencement” offering students who don’t have a car to instead celebrate in style by riding in a golf cart.

In addition, virtual commencements for City, Mesa, and Miramar colleges and the College of Continuing Education are being held on May 28, beginning with SDCCE’s at 11 a.m. followed by Miramar College at 1 p.m., Mesa College at 3 p.m., and City College at 5 p.m.

Preliminary figures show the SDCCD this year is awarding 8,400 certificates, 4,097 associate degrees, 102 high school diplomas, and 25 bachelor’s degrees, the latter through Mesa College’s Health Information Management Baccalaureate Program.