STCC to honor 2021 graduates with campus drive-through parade
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College will celebrate the Class of 2021 with a drive-through parade on June 3 at 4 p.m.
Because campus access is restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic, graduates must register in advance to join the parade. Visit stcc.edu/commencement to find a link to register.
All graduates and their guests must ride in a car. STCC will provide transportation for students who do not have access to a vehicle. Faculty and staff from STCC will line Mary Killeen Bennett Way, which is the main road on campus, to cheer on graduates.
“We are delighted to host a drive-through parade to honor our graduates,” said STCC President John B. Cook. “As students, they have faced tough obstacles over the past year. The faculty, staff and I are proud of them. They deserve to be celebrated.”
Andrea Tarpey, coordinator of Student Activities at STCC, proposed the idea for a parade.
“We know how important it is to celebrate graduation, and a parade is a wonderful and safe way to honor the achievement,” Tarpey said. “I think our graduates will love the experience, and we can’t wait to cheer them on.”
Graduates can wear their cap and gown and decorate their car. Only one car per graduate is permitted to participate in the parade. The parade will start at the Federal Street entrance to the campus.
If it rains, the parade will be rescheduled to June 4.
Separately, STCC is planning a virtual commencement on June 18 at 6 p.m. Graduates and their friends and family can watch the streaming event on the STCC YouTube channel.
About Springfield Technical Community College
STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu