With the 2023-2024 academic year coming to a close, it is with immense pride and joy that I reflect on the extraordinary achievements of our students, faculty, staff and community.
The culmination of our efforts was epitomized in the festive commencement ceremony held May 17, a day that will be etched in our memories as a testament to the resilience, dedication and spirit of Santa Barbara City College.
The atmosphere on Commencement Day was electric, charged with the excitement and anticipation of graduates ready to embark on their new journeys.
La Playa Stadium was adorned with celebratory decorations brought by loved ones, and the air was filled with the sounds of laughter, applause and many heartfelt speeches.
Families and friends gathered to honor the accomplishments of their graduates, creating an environment of warmth and support that truly exemplified the SBCC community.
This year’s graduating class is a diverse and dynamic group of individuals who have overcome numerous challenges to reach this milestone.
From the continued impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to personal and academic hurdles, our students have shown remarkable perseverance.
Their success is a reflection of their hard work, as well as the unwavering support of our dedicated faculty and staff who have guided them every step of the way.
Our commencement ceremony featured inspiring speeches, most notably from student speaker Mariam Martinez Gama, who wove her poetry and prose from her personal story to inspire others.
I could not do her speech justice so here is a small excerpt:
“We can only build bridges with our eyes if we take time to see one another and uplift those that make Santa Barbara truly shiny: the single parents, the Dreamers, the rising scholars, the gardeners, the street vendors, Los viejos y vijitillias, the Queer and people of color communities, and the list can go on,” she said.
“Let us collectively change language to flow with movement. Our reflections allow us to take ownership of our identities and we educate ourselves to look in the mirror with love.”
Mariam’s words are a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within each of our graduates.
As graduates move forward, they carry with them not only their academic achievements, but also the values and experiences that make SBCC a unique and nurturing institution.
The end of the academic year also provides an opportunity to reflect on the collective efforts that have supported our institution.
The successes of our students are a direct result of the collaborative spirit that defines SBCC.
From the dedicated faculty who inspire and challenge our students, to the classified and administrative staff who ensure the smooth operation of our college, every member of our community plays a vital role.
Moreover, we must acknowledge the incredible support we receive from the Santa Barbara community at large.
The partnerships with local businesses, organizations and alumni have been instrumental in providing resources, internships and mentorship opportunities for our students.
These collaborations enrich the educational experience and help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications.
As we look ahead, it is essential to continue building on this strong foundation. The upcoming academic year promises new challenges and opportunities, and I am confident that our community will rise to meet them with the same determination and resilience that has brought us this far.
We are committed to enhancing our programs, expanding our outreach, and ensuring that SBCC remains a beacon of excellence in education.
As we celebrate the end of this academic year, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates, and also to the UC Santa Barbara and Westmont College graduates, especially our Vaquero transfers.
You have achieved a significant milestone and your journey is just beginning. Remember that you are always a part of the SBCC family, and we will continue to support you in all your future endeavors.
Or, as I like to remind graduates, “You are Vaqs for life.”
Congratulations to all on a remarkable year. Oh, and happy Pride month!
P.S. — MySBCC.org is the place to go to get engaged with our campus. And if you are an SBCC alumnus — especially a recent graduate — please join our alumni community and newsletter with SBCC Alumni Connect.
