Edmonds College to hold drive-thru commencement celebration, virtual ceremony June 18

Edmonds College will host an on-campus, drive-thru commencement celebration from 2-5 p.m. Friday, June 18. Faculty and staff will cheer on graduates as they drive or walk through the celebration route. Strict COVID-19 safety guidelines will be maintained and attendance will be limited.

The college will also release a commencement ceremony video, which will be available for viewing at edmonds.edu/commencement at noon June 18.

“I’m impressed by the tenacity each and every one of our graduates has shown,” said Edmonds College President Dr. Amit Singh. “Through the most difficult times, they have not wavered from their goals. As they move ahead to pursue further education or enter the workforce, I am confident that they will be successful.”

This year’s student commencement speaker is Steve Sebuka. He was a physician in the Congo before coming to the U.S. in 2018, and he started at EC by taking English classes. He went on to earn five health care certificates, which allowed him to secure a position as a monitor technician at EvergreenHealth. Sebuka’s ultimate goal is to become a public health doctor.

“Everything is possible in life; it is just a question of will,” said Sebuka. “Yes, we are in the middle of a pandemic period, but let this challenge be a source of motivation rather than an excuse to give up.”

2020-21 Edmonds College highlights

• EC opened its second on-campus residence hall and a new $54 million building dedicated to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and nursing.

• EC launched its second Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in Information Technology – Application Development. The college is preparing to launch three additional BAS degrees in robotics and artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing and materials engineering technology, and integrated health management.

• EC awarded more than $1.44 million in federal CARES Act funding to provide emergency assistance to students who are experiencing COVID-19 related financial hardships.

• The EC Foundation awarded more than $277,000 in scholarships to 153 students.

• The Center for First-generation Student Success selected EC as a member of the 2021-22 First-gen Forward cohort, in recognition of the college’s support of first-generation students.

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services awarded EC a $3 million grant for its health care training program for low-income students.

• EC was awarded a competitive federal Title III grant. The college will receive more than $2.2 million over a five-year period, allowing it to increase the quality of online learning, provide more flexibility of program options for students, and enhance online student support services.

• EC was awarded three grants this year for materials science education, totaling over $1.1 million.

• EC partnered with Volunteers of America of Western Washington and Verdant Health Commission to place a 2-1-1 community resource advocate on campus.