Cerritos College returns to in-person commencement ceremonies

NORWALK – Cerritos College celebrated its Class of 2022 and the Class of 2020 on May 20-21 with the first in-person commencement ceremonies in three years. 

Graduates from the Class of 2020 participated after COVID-19 restrictions shuttered graduation plans during the onset of the pandemic. The college hosted a “Car-Mencement” drive-thru ceremony to honor the Class of 2021 last year.

This year, the college presented approximately 4,800 associate degrees and skills certificates to students who completed their course of study during the 2021-2022 academic year.

Brooklyn Kemp began her studies at Cerritos College in the fall of 2020. She was a part of the Umoja Success Program and campus clubs Active Minds and Finding Funds for Falcon. She also served as the president of the Sociology Club. 

The sociology major will transfer to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Historical Black College and University. Her educational goal is to obtain the highest degree possible in her field. 

“As of now, my career path is open to any opportunities I will have for my future. I plan to make a difference in my community,” said Brooklyn. “I have loved the support and additional resources that Cerritos College has provided in order for me to grow.”

Jonathan Manjarrez, Jr., is a Calvary Chapel Downey High School senior and the Cerritos College Dual Enrollment Program student. He is receiving his associate degree in Film Production at the same time he graduates from high school this year. 

Jonathan was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and on the Dean’s List at Cerritos College. He will be attending UC Berkeley this fall. 

This year’s graduates have been accepted to some of the nation’s top colleges and universities, including Claremont McKenna College, Chapman University, the University of La Verne, Loyola Marymount University, USC, UC Berkeley, UCLA, Cal Poly Pomona, and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, among other schools. 

Additionally, 90 percent of students in the College’s Scholars’ Honors Program were admitted to UCLA this year.

“This year’s commencement ceremony is your reminder for life that you faced and overcame adversity to accomplish your goals,” said Dr. Jose Fierro, Cerritos College president and superintendent. “You have sharpened your minds, you have developed grit, empathy, and self-efficacy, and you have found creative ways to manage and re-frame stress. 

“Graduates, your time is now; go and shape a future in which we put first what is important above the venalities of life. The conditions are here for you to make a new mark and henceforward be known as the Greatest Generation.”