By TBCC President, Dr. Paul Jarrell
It is with great pride and joy that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 2024 graduating class of Tillamook Bay Community College (TBCC). This year’s commencement ceremony, scheduled for June 14th at 5:30 pm at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds, marks a significant milestone for our students and the entire community. We are honored to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, whose dedication and hard work have culminated in this momentous occasion.
This year, a total of 129 students have earned 228 certificates and degrees, showcasing the diversity and commitment of our student body. Among these achievements, our graduates have collectively earned:
- 147 Associate Degrees
- 41 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Certificates
- 30 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) NCT Certificates
- 10 General Educational Development (GED) Degrees
The breakdown of our graduates reflects the varied paths they have taken: 51% are Transfer students, 19% are CTE students, and 30% are Non-Credit Training Certificate (NCTC) students. We are also proud to recognize two graduates who have achieved the distinction of First Class Scholars and 19 graduates who are Career to Career Graduates.
Our students have excelled academically, with 17 earning Cum Laude honors, 16 achieving Magna Cum Laude, and an impressive 18 graduates being recognized with the highest honors, Summa Cum Laude. These honors are a testament to the academic excellence that TBCC cultivates and supports.
We are particularly proud of our area high school and dual credit students. This year, eight high school students are simultaneously earning their associate degrees and high school diplomas, a remarkable accomplishment that speaks to their dedication and hard work. Through our dual credit program, area high school students have earned a total of 3,242 credits this year, saving approximately $400,000 in tuition and fees! Among our graduates, 51 have taken dual credit classes while in high school, including 19 from Neah-Kah-Nie, 2 from Nestucca Valley, and 30 from Tillamook.
The demographics of our graduating class highlight the inclusivity and diversity of our student body. Our youngest graduate is 17, while our oldest graduate is 65; demonstrating that education is a lifelong journey. Women make up 57% of our graduates, with 75% of our credit graduates being women. Additionally, 21% of our graduates identify as Hispanic/Latinx, reflecting the richness of our community.
As we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates, we recognize the support and encouragement provided by their families, friends, and the entire Tillamook County community. Your unwavering support has played a crucial role in helping our students achieve their dreams.
The 2024 graduating class embodies the spirit of perseverance, resilience, and excellence that defines Tillamook Bay Community College. We are confident that these graduates will continue to make significant contributions to our community and beyond, carrying forward the values and knowledge they have gained during their time at TBCC.
On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration of Tillamook Bay Community College, I extend my deepest congratulations to the 2024 graduates. We are immensely proud of your achievements and look forward to witnessing your future successes.
I hope to see you at graduation on June 14th at 5:30 pm. Also, please remember to stop by campus on June 21st at 1:00 pm to participate in the groundbreaking for our new Healthcare Education Building. TBCC is YOUR college.