Spring semester is coming to an end and for many students that means graduation time and new challenges.

To recognize and honor students’ success, the City College Commencement Ceremony will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 18 in the Student Services Plaza on East Campus.

“Commencement is the highlight of the year,” acting Superintendent-President Jack Friedlander said. “It provides us a time when the campus community comes together to congratulate and celebrate the graduates for their accomplishment.”

This spring, 2460 students graduate from City College with an Associate Degree, a Certificate or an Associate Degree for transfer. Last year, approximately 445 graduating students attended the ceremony, according to City College Adviser Amy Collins.

“The number always varies,” she said. “We usually see between 500 and 700 attendants each year.”

Friedlander, President of the Academic Senate Dean Nevins and this year’s commencement speaker Sonya Soltani will hold speeches at the event.

Soltani is currently the vice president of the Student Senate and she’s planning on transferring to UCSB next semester.

“The message I want to get out there is that in order to succeed you need to fail, because if you work hard, you can do it,” she said.

Students who graduate with an AA or AS degree with a 3.5 GPA or higher receive a gold tassel and have “With Honors” printed on their diplomas. Phi Theta Kappa students get a gold seal added to their diploma or certificate.

A complimentary commencement breakfast will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. followed by a rehearsal for all graduates who are participating in the ceremony.

Caps, gowns and diploma covers can be purchased at the City College Bookstore for $41.95 plus tax.

There’s no need to RSVP prior to the event but it’s important for candidates to attend the rehearsal in order for them to participate in the ceremony, according to the preparation sheet sent out to graduates.

After the ceremony a reception will be held for graduates, their families and guests at the Memorial Plaza courtyard behind the Student Services Building.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published May 9, 2012