PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College will hold its 60th commencement ceremony on Friday, May 29, via broadcast on Pittsfield Community Television at 4:30 p.m. 

 

During the ceremony, the college will award associate degrees and certificates to more than 200 students.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced schools and colleges around the world to rethink their graduation ceremonies. As such, institutions are finding ways to celebrate and honor their graduates – and BCC has decided to honor its graduates twice. 

 

The virtual commencement will be broadcast on PCTV, on the PCTV Select app available on Roku and Apple TV, and on Facebook Live via PCTV. The broadcast also will be simulcast on Northern Berkshire Community Television and Community Television for the Southern Berkshires.

 

The 2020 graduates are also invited to participate in the 2021 commencement ceremony on June 4, 2021, at Tanglewood in Lenox.

 

In a letter to all graduates,  wrote: "

 

"We know this is not what any of us anticipated celebrating the 60th Commencement of Berkshire Community College," President Ellen Kennedy wrote to graduates. "Each of us wants to make this event meaningful, and though we would prefer to be physically together, our goal is to ensure that you are recognized and honored with pride and joy by our entire community on commencement day. 

 

"We promise to make this special for you, and look forward to celebrating you both virtually on May 29, and physically next year.”

 

Graduates were asked to upload their photo that will be shown live on television when their name is read during the commencement program. There will also be remarks from the Kennnedy, from the college's valedictorian and provost, and the national anthem will be sung by a Monica Bliss, a BCC student.

 

The commencement program will be shared with all graduates the day before the ceremony and also mailed to their homes as a keepsake. Diplomas will also be delivered to the graduates via mail.

 

 For more commencement details visit: www.berkshirecc.edu/commencement. Social media users are invited to be a part of the conversation by using #MyBCCGrads.