More than 10,000 members of the DCCCD Class of 2020 celebrated graduation Saturday, June 13, during virtual ceremonies headlined by entrepreneur Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban.
“The most important business skill you can carry through the rest of your life is the desire to learn,” Cuban told graduates after encouraging them to perform a victory dance.
The graduation videos have received about 23,000 views on Facebook and YouTube. You can still watch them online or download a copy to keep.
The Class of 2020 celebration isn’t over. Graduates should watch their mailboxes for a surprise gift from their colleges. Commemorative stoles are now available to purchase on the graduation website, and you can download and view graduation programs there too!
Diplomas will hit mailboxes in late July or early August.
Graduation was moved online because of concerns about the spread of COVID-19. In the midst of a global health emergency, the Class of 2020 finished classes in an online-only learning environment while balancing the challenges of everyday life such as childcare, food insecurity, job loss and sick family members.
“We want you to be prepared for change,” Chancellor Joe May told graduates. “You must be able to adapt to real-life situations, and you all have proven that you can do just that.”
Graduate Teresa de Jesus Rodriguez started community college 30 years ago but put college on hold to raise four children and work.
“Never give up,” she said. “No matter what life may throw at you, you can always finish. Hopefully, it won’t take you 30 years like it did me, but just remember that you can do it.”
Cuban advised graduates not to let current circumstances affect their goals.
“The only certainty we all have in our lives is the uncertainty of what comes next,” he said. “Where there is change, there is opportunity. And when you get that one big idea, I want you to ask, why not me? Why can’t it be my idea that changes the world? And why not right now?”
OK, Class of 2020. We’re watching and listening. Show us what’s next!