After holding a virtual ceremony for 2020 graduates last Spring, Redlands Community College is looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2021 with an in-person ceremony May 7 at El Reno’s Jenks Simmons Fieldhouse.
Nearly 290 students will graduate from Redlands Community College Friday, May 7, with degrees that have prepared them to continue their education at a four-year university or begin making an impact in the workforce. The class of 2021 also includes 30 nursing graduates. Since last year’s ceremony was held virtually, graduates from the class of 2020 were also invited to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony.
“We are proud of these graduates who have demonstrated the dedication and drive that will serve them well in the future. They have persevered through a challenging time,” said Redlands President Jack Bryant. “Redlands is a special college because of the students who have chosen to get their start on promising careers on our campus.”
Juan Ibarra, Jr., who will be transferring to the University of Central Oklahoma, began his career at Redlands as a concurrent student. This year he served as captain of the national qualifying Academic Team and is graduating Magna Cum Laude.
“The opportunities and resources the college offers, along with the staff, have made Redlands an incredible experience,” Ibarra said. “If a student is in need of a resource or help, Redlands does an excellent job at providing it.”
The commencement address will be given by Ed Zweiacher, longtime agriculture instructor and Royse Ranch manager. Zweiacher began his college education at El Reno Junior College (now Redlands Community College), earning an Associate in Arts degree, and is retiring after a nearly 50-year career in higher education, including over 40 years at Redlands.
Graduates are receiving associate degrees in Arts, Applied Science and Science, as well as Certificates in Mastery in areas such as Child Development, Artificial Insemination in Livestock and Human/Social Services Assistant.
Adin Shafer, who is graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice, has enjoyed his time at Redlands because the smaller class sizes gave him the opportunity to get to know his professors and fellow classmates. Now with an Associate in Arts degree, he feels prepared for his next step at Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
“Redlands has given me the experience of the college classroom and afforded me the opportunity to learn in a whole new environment than what I was used to,” he said.
Nursing graduates will be honored during a pinning ceremony at 9 a.m. Friday in the Jenks Simmons Fieldhouse, 214 N. Country Club Rd., El Reno, and commencement exercises will follow at 11 a.m. Masks will be required and physical distancing encouraged.
Attendance will be limited to ticket holders only, but both the nursing pinning and commencement ceremonies will be streamed on the college’s Facebook and YouTube channels. Visit www.redlandscc.edu for the links.