May 10, 2013

Media Contact: Amber Chiang, 661-395-4256, 661-794-9684

Tehachapi Area Locals among 99th Graduating Class at Bakersfield College

On Friday evening, May 10, 2013, Bakersfield College will celebrate the achievements of the 2013 graduating class. This commencement marked the 99th annual event for the college, which opened its doors in 1913.

Dr. Sonya Christian, new president of Bakersfield College, is especially proud of this class, which is her first as president of the College of nearly 18,000 students.

“This is a major achievement for many students,” said Christian. “By earning their Associate of Arts or Associate of Science, Bakersfield College’s class of 2013 is moving on to an exciting future. Less than 40 percent of Californians attain a college degree. Bakersfield College’s commencement celebrates a major life accomplishment not attained by a majority of the population.”

In total, Bakersfield College awarded associate degrees to 836 students this year. Women outnumbered men 572 to 264. Most notably, 550 of the 836 associate degree recipients plan to transfer to four-year schools in the fall.

Among those recognized for their completion of a degree or certificate program were Tehachapi area residents:

Allissa Messier

Betty Barnes

Caleb Geiger

Christian Torres

Elias Torres

Francisco Rodriguez

Holly Pettit

Jennifer Tweedy

Kalina Auch

Kathryn Elkins

Kristsen Tapia

Marisa Folse

Monica Evans

Robert Cochran

Sabrina Kurczeski

Sarah Horcher

Scott Lackey

Stephanie Hearn

Valorie Farquharson

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