On June 7, the largest graduating class (over 400 students) walked through the Norco College stage to accept their degrees. Over 4,000 guest proudly gathered around the soccer field to cheer on the graduates as they prepared for the next chapter in their lives. 

Norco College Faculty Speaker, Quinton Bemiller addressed graduates with a message of encouragement and hope, while student speaker, Angelica Gutierrez, shared her inspirational story about resilience and courage. She talked about the struggles she faced coming to the US and being bullied for not knowing how to speak English. Introverted by nature, Gutierrez recalls wanting to drop out of school, but she turned to her courage and continued to push through. She remembers reciting the following quote from Frank Ocean, “Work hard in silence, and let success make the noise!" Gutierrez was successful all right and graduated with four associate of arts degrees in Spanish, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Studies, and Communications. She is on her way to Cal State University, San Bernardino this fall.

Congratulations to our graduates! Keep on investing in your future. We believe in you. Go Mustangs! 

Angelica Gutierrez, student keynote speaker

Click on our Facebook page to view a photo recap of commencement day.

Interesting graduation facts below:

2018-19 graduates

• 1,246 students graduated
• 1,911 associate degrees awarded
• 247 students graduated with distinction (3.3 to 3.6)
• 162 graduated with great distinction (3.7 and above)
• 42 graduated with a 4.0 (earning an A in every course)
• 82 graduates completed the Honors Program
• 41 graduates were veterans of the armed services
• Most senior graduate was 66 years old
• Youngest graduate was 16 years old
  

Many students will be receiving multiple degrees. They are as follows:  

• 303 received two degrees
  
• 168 received three degrees
• 97 received four degrees
• 29 received five degrees
• 11 received six degrees
• 3 received seven degrees
• 2 received eight degrees

Our JFK Middle College High School students continued to set the bar.

• 23 students who graduated JFK High School on May 31, also graduated from Norco College on June 7 – completing at total of 64 degrees.
• 85 high school student graduates from JFK also completed their freshman year of college while attending HS.
  

Dual Enrollment Program

• 250 CNUSD High School seniors graduated with 1,204 units combined.