ƵAnnounces Keynote Speaker for 2021 Virtual Commencement

Press Release
Mayor Robert Garcia

Ƶ (LBCC) announced that Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia will be the keynote speaker for the 2021 Commencement Ceremony.

Garcia has been a symbol of leadership and first-hand experience throughout the coronavirus pandemic this past year.

“While losing both his mother and step-father to COVID-19, he has guided Long Beach throughout the pandemic with steadfast honesty, compassion, consistency, empathy and hard work,” said Long Beach Community College District Interim Superintendent-President Dr. Mike Muñoz. “These are qualities we look for in a commencement speaker. We want our graduates to be inspired by someone like our Mayor, someone who represents all that is good about our City and our Country.”

An immigrant from Peru, Garcia, and his mother arrived in the United States when he was five-years-old. Since graduating from California State University, Long Beach, he has been a rising star in the community. While employed at LBCC, he was elected to Long Beach City Council and became the City’s 28th Mayor in 2014. He is the City’s youngest and first elected openly LGBT mayor, and the first person of color to hold the office.

“Ƶ was my home for many years. I loved the opportunity it gave me to connect with students and empower them to take on whatever obstacles life threw their way,” said Garcia. “This past year has tested all of us, but we are getting through it by working hard together and persevering. I am excited to be able to join Ƶgraduates at their 2021 commencement to celebrate their great achievements and all they’ve overcome.”

For a second year, Ƶwill produce a virtual ceremony for those receiving their Associate Degree of Arts, Associate Degree of Sciences, and Certificates of Achievement. Ƶgraduates, friends and family will be able to watch the ceremony online.

In addition to the virtual ceremony, the Class of 2021 will be welcomed back to walk in LBCC’s next in-person Commencement Ceremony, along with the Class of 2020. More details will be included on the ƵCommencement website in the near future.


Ƶ Ƶ
Ƶ consists of two campuses with an enrollment of over 25,000 students each semester and serves the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and Avalon. Ƶpromotes equitable student learning and achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development by delivering high quality educational programs and support services to our diverse communities. Visit www.LBCC.edu for more information about Ƶ.

MEDIA CONTACT

Stacey Toda,
Ƶ, Director
Communications & Community Engagement
(562) 938-4004stoda@LBCC.edu