More than 200 graduates and hundreds of family members attended a first-time, somewhat unconventional event in mid-June to celebrate the Class of 2020. 

The special celebration, Cruise-In Commencement, invited graduates to drive through campus in parade fashion to celebrate, take photos and pick up diploma covers, all while maintaining safe distances. 

Family members also attended the event, including alumnus Billy Badour’s 90-year-old grandmother. She would not have been able to attend a traditional commencement ceremony inside, as it would’ve been too much walking for her. 

“By sitting in an air-conditioned car, she was able to see her youngest grandson graduate,” said Blanche Badour, Billy’s mother and a 1985 Delta alumna. “She was in tears during ‘Pomp and Circumstance.’ 

The event was planned in response to the May 1 commencement ceremony that was canceled due to the coronavirus crisis. 

“Our graduates had to adapt to the changing world, so the least we could do was to also adapt to provide a fun and much-deserved celebration of their accomplishments and future,” said Dr. Jean Goodnow, president of Delta College. 

Dozens of faculty and staff members attended the event to volunteer and cheer on graduates. Also in attendance was President Emeritus Don Carlyon, who has attended every Delta commencement, beginning with the first one in 1962.   

• 213 graduate candidates participated.
• 47 volunteers attended the event.
• 76 faculty members cheered on graduates.