In-person Graduation Returns to SMC
SMC students will finally celebrate graduation with all their loved ones on ground at the Corsair Field.
Santa Monica College is hosting its 2023 Commencement Ceremony in person for the first time in two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Students will finally be able to walk the stage and celebrate their graduation at the Corsair Field on June 13.
Graduates had the chance to pick up their caps and gowns from the SMC bookstore during Grad Fest on June 1. The quad area had activities for students to decorate their caps, and photo booths were available for students to take pictures.
During the pandemic, students continued their educational journey online, and instead of an in-person ceremony, graduates were honored virtually via a live Zoom commencement. There was also a Diploma Drive-Thru Celebration where students could pick up their diplomas from their cars. Students received their degrees by mail.
Students shared their thoughts on how they felt about graduation being held online the past two years. Jennifer Medrano said “I feel like that was very sad because you didn’t have the opportunity to come here with your family and celebrate with them.”
She emphasized on how excited she was to have that opportunity now and share her accomplishments with friends and family.
“I really feel so blessed because two years ago it was COVID, so I was really scared about it,” Medrano said. “It's an accomplishment in my life, I feel very happy for that.”
Some students expected to have another virtual commencement. “We didn’t know for a while if it was going to be in person or not,” student Macy Mansion said.
Mansion has been anticipating this moment for a very long time. “The year that I started was the graduation, so I was hoping that it would be in person when it was my time to go,” he said.
Monique Johnson shared her challenges throughout her educational journey and how she managed to overcome them. She described how coming back to SMC was a little overwhelming because she had to learn how to access canvas all over again. She also mentioned how she had to reapply for FAFSA.
“Adjusting, I dropped out in 2014, so I came back into school and it’s been eight years,” Johnson said. “I heard that SMC hasn’t had a graduation since 2019, so I’m excited to go through the traditional ceremony.”
