STCC to honor graduates at virtual commencement on Aug. 29

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Springfield Technical Community College’s virtual commencement ceremony will be a “unique and special” celebration on Aug. 29 featuring a mix of speakers ranging from STCC students to community leaders. A few surprise guests should delight graduates and their families.

STCC invites the students in the Class of 2020 and their family and friends to view the 53rd Commencement on the college’s Facebook or YouTube channels. The virtual event will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m.

“Without question, the Class of 2020’s virtual commencement is different from any other,” STCC President John B. Cook said in a message to students. “This year’s celebration will not be the same, yet I promise you this: It will be extraordinary. It will be exhilarating. It will be historic. It will be a night you will never forget. I invite you to embrace all that is unique and special about this virtual occasion.”

Commencement usually is held in the MassMutual Center in late spring. Because of safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, STCC canceled the indoor event and scheduled the virtual celebration for late summer. Some members of the Class of 2020 needed to finish coursework over the summer due to pandemic-related disruptions.

“Canceling Commencement this past spring was a difficult, yet necessary decision,” Cook said. “The students, faculty, staff and I look forward to the event every year. But I think the graduates, their family members and friends will love this virtual event and won’t be disappointed.  I’m impressed with the thoughtful planning that went into it. Dean of Academic Initiatives Matt Gravel and his staff did a wonderful job.”

Speakers will include:

  • STCC Board of Trustees Chair Marikate Murren, who offers a message to the Class of 2020
  • STCC President Dr. John B. Cook, who welcomes the Class of 2020
  • Student Speaker Hanan Khan, who delivers greetings from the Class of 2020
  • Student Speaker Andrew Bellotti, who delivers the Invocation

Key facts about Commencement:

WHEN:  Saturday, August 29 at 6 p.m.

WHERE:  STCC Facebook and YouTube channels (facebook.com/springfield-technical-community-college and stcc.edu/youtube)

DETAILS:  Approximately 944 students in the Class of 2020 have been awarded diplomas or certificates from STCC.

Breakdown of credentials:

  • 562 associate in science degrees
  • 246 associate in arts degrees
  • 111 certificates of completion
  • 25 certificates

Student population data:

Age range for STCC graduates: 19 years old to 68 years old.  Approximately one-half of the students graduating are older than 24.

Of those graduating, 57 percent of the graduates are female; 43 percent of the graduates are male; 48 percent are white; 26 percent are Hispanic; 12 percent are black; 14 percent identify as “other.”

Breakdown of where graduates live:

  • Springfield: 38 percent
  • West Springfield: 7 percent
  • Agawam: 3 percent
  • Westfield: 5 percent
  • Chicopee: 9 percent
  • all other cities/towns: 38 percent

STCC is accepting applications for the semester, which begins Sept. 8. Classes will be held online, with a mix of in-person low-density labs. To apply, visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, liberal arts, and STEM fields continue to provide the most affordable options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of about 7,000 day, evening, weekend, and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu