Cypress College will be hosting its 56th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 19 to close out the Spring 2023 Semester. 

This marks the second in person ceremony since the pandemic began. Ever since the emergence of Covid-19, there has been a halt in events and ceremonies, but now that Cypress College has been back to almost all in person classes for the last two semesters, this year's commencement is one students have been looking forward to. Last year’s ceremony held more than 800 graduates from the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022.  

Over the past few years, many students found it hard to be able to manage their mental and physical health, work, and school. It resulted in a lot of students taking a break from school or dropping out all together.

Photography major Magdalena Oliveros, who’s graduating from Cypress College this semester, was one of those students who found it difficult to manage school due to the pandemic.

“Because of the pandemic, these last couple semesters have been a lot harder to manage. But with school opening back up and being able to be on campus, I definitely gained a sense of hope of being able to walk for graduation.” Oliveros said.

Although the world has gone through so much these past few years, college students continue to hope for a brighter future. As the pandemic is slowly coming to an end, events like graduations are returning to schools.

Many students during graduation season are both scared but optimistic for what comes next. Just like last year's commencement ceremony, the 2023 graduating class can’t wait to finish their chapter at Cypress College. 

“And with graduation being just around the corner, I feel relief and excitement for what the future has in store for me.”

On the day, graduates will be sorted by their department from Fine Arts to Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. All graduates must be on campus in their cap and gown at 3 p.m. To find more information about the ceremony visit the Commencement Central section on the Cypress College website.