94th Annual College of Marin
Commencement and Transfer Recognition
We cordially invite you, your family, and your friends to attend the virtual College of Marin’s 94th Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony. You’ve worked hard to achieve your goals—let’s celebrate!
SAVE THE DATE
May 28, 2021
6 pm
President’s Message
On behalf of the entire College of Marin community, I congratulate you on reaching this milestone in your education and accomplishing this during a year of unprecedented challenges.
Though our Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony remains virtual this year, gathering in celebration is an important way we create community. I assure you that the excitement felt by faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees to celebrate the success of our graduates and transfer students is stronger than ever. During your time at College of Marin, they’ve shared their knowledge, skills, encouragement, and belief in the power of education. Know they are cheering you on from home.
The grit and determination to persevere under extremely challenging circumstances will carry you far in life. Most achievements are not accomplished alone. Parents, spouses, partners, children, family members, friends, and mentors may have played a significant role
in your success.
While you may have had help and support, you have reached this point through your own hard work. You pursued your dream. You made the commitment. And you made the sacrifices. It was through your grit and determination that you attained your goal.
I applaud each of you, and with you go my fondest hopes for your happiness and immense success in all that you do. Although you are graduating and moving on, you are always welcome here. I look forward to hearing of your many successes in the years to come.
Congratulations!
Sincerely,
David Wain Coon, Ed.D.
Superintendent/President
STUDENT SPEAKER
About Fernando Sánchez López
Fernando Sánchez López is a first-generation, English as a second language, immigrant student that came to the United States from Mexico. He is graduating with an A.S. in Physical Science and an A.A. in Spanish. He is transferring to a university, he has yet to determine, to pursue a Bachelors in Computer Science. Throughout his journey at College of Marin (COM), he has served for three years on the Associated Students of College of Marin (ASCOM) Board as Senator of Public Relations and Marketing, Vice President, and the current President for the academic year of 2020-2021. Fernando has continuously been engaged in campus activities and committees, including his participation in the Educational Planning Committee (EPC) where he was involved in the creation of the most current Educational Master Plan, served as a member of College Council, as well as, the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Action (IDEA) Committee. He has advocated for students in every opportunity he has had, such as during the selection of the architects and construction for the new Learning Resource Center, and his leadership to vocalize support and action for the immigrant, Black and African American, and the Asian communities. Finally, as Fernando moves on in his journey, he is proud of the richness of the COM community and will take with him the many memories he made through participating and attending events put on by ASCOM, different COM programs, and clubs.
VIRTUAL COMMENCEMENT FAQ
What is a Virtual Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony?
College of Marin’s virtual Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony will be live-streamed to College of Marin’s social media channels at 6 pm on Friday, May 28, 2021. This event can be viewed and visited at any time after the premiere. Graduates and transfer-eligible students will receive email and text invitations to create a free account and upload a picture and a message for each student’s individual slide. A professional name reader will read your name, and the slide can be saved and shared on social media. The event will also give graduates and transfer students interactive and customizable filters that can be shared on social media platforms.
The Commencement website will also include a downloadable commencement program as well as special messages from College of Marin’s Superintendent/President, the President of the Marin Community College District Board of Trustees, and the President of Associated Students of College of Marin (ASCOM).
How do I participate in the virtual ceremony?
Graduates and transfer-eligible students will receive an invitation to create an account by email and text message. Then, upload your picture and a message to create your individual slide.
Invitations will be sent in April.
If you are eligible for graduation or transfer and did not receive an email invitation to participate in the virtual ceremony, contact commencement@marin.edu.
What if I am transferring this fall without a degree?
Students who plan to transfer in the fall of 2021 without earning a degree are invited to participate in the Virtual Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony. If you would like to participate, please complete the form to register by May 5.
When will I be able to access the virtual ceremony webpage?
Students who register will receive an invitation to the ceremony webpage as soon as it is available. To allow as many graduate and transfer students the opportunity to participate, the ceremony webpage is scheduled to go live on Friday, May 28, 2021, at 6 p.m. The public link to the virtual ceremony webpage will be posted online and will be available for students and their friends and families until May 2022.
Will I need to wear a graduation robe or other regalia in my photo?
No. You are not required to wear a graduation robe or other regalia for the photo you upload to the virtual commencement website.
Can I still purchase regalia even though I’m not required to wear it?
Regalia and other graduation accessories may be ordered through the College of Marin Bookstore.
Why is College of Marin hosting a virtual ceremony?
Current local, state, and federal guidance either bans or significantly restricts large in-person events, so an in-person ceremony is not possible at this time. While we would prefer a traditional in-person ceremony, the College felt it was important to recognize the achievements of our students. Faculty and staff will be cheering for you virtually, too!
Why not postpone the in-person ceremony?
Recent guidance from the state has suggested that restrictions on large events may continue well into the fall. This makes postponement with a reliable timeframe impossible at this time. After consulting with ASCOM leaders, College of Marin leadership agreed that moving forward with a virtual ceremony was the best way to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates and transfer students, given the circumstances.
Are 2021 graduates and transfer students eligible to participate in the 2022 Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony?
Yes. Graduates and transfer students from 2021 and 2022 will be invited to participate in the ceremony scheduled for late May 2022, contingent upon public health guidelines.
When will I receive my diploma?
Spring diplomas will be sent to students via U.S. mail after degrees and certificates are certified. Expect to receive your diploma in early August