Front Range Community College will unveil the school’s largest commencement ceremony in its 56-year history on Thursday, giving almost 4,000 graduates a grand sendoff to new lives and careers, say school officials.
The ceremony will unite graduates from all three campuses – including the Westminster campus – for an all-school commencement celebration. “This year, the college is enhancing the ceremony to guarantee every graduate enjoys a remarkable and significant celebration on their special day,” according to a FRCC news release.
“We’re excited to offer our students an elevated celebration at this year’s commencement ceremony,” added Gabriel Castano, FRCC’s vice president of enrollment management and student success, in the news release. “We want our graduates to have the best experience possible as we recognize their achievements.”
The ceremony is scheduled for 5 p.m. May 9 at Blue Arena, 5290 Arena Circle, in Loveland.
Blue Arena is the former Budweiser Center, where FRCC graduates at the Larimer Campus held their previous graduation ceremonies.
Students at the Boulder County Campus previously had their ceremony at the Vance Brand Auditorium in Longmont.
The 1stBank Center in Broomfield previously hosted the graduates from the Westminster Campus. But the 1stBank Center is closed and is headed for demolition, according to officials.
FRCC officials say 46% of the school’s students are the first in their families to go to college. “For our graduates, this academic achievement showcases how FRCC is helping break down barriers for future generations,” according to the FRCC news release.
On Thursday, the school will award more than 5,000 degrees and certificates to 4,000 graduates for the 2023-2024 academic year, the school states.
The school also broke down the demographics of the graduates:
- Youngest graduate: 17
- Oldest graduate: 77
- 37% students of color
- Graduates from 13 countries (including the U.S.)
- 89 students are military veterans
- 24% are eligible for federal Pell grants (students who display exceptional financial need).
John Tayer, president and CEO of the Boulder Chamber is the keynote speaker for the 2024 commencement.
“We’re excited to connect our students with accomplished leaders in Colorado’s vibrant business community,” Lilian Clemente, executive director of strategic marketing and communications, said in the news release. “We want our graduates to hear the clear message that anything is possible as they pursue their dreams.”