By Kathy Chouteau
When Contra Costa College’s class of 2021 marked their virtual graduation celebration Fri., May 21, they weren’t the only stars sparkling that night. The 729 classmates were joined by friends, family and celebrities and politicians alike—including actors LeVar Burton (Star Trek) and Billy Dee Williams (“Lando” in Star Wars), actor/musician Paulina Rubio, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla—all of whom submitted videos with greetings and support during a virtual celebration preceding the commencement ceremony.
Later, during the virtual commencement ceremony, Interim President Damon A. Bell, Academic Senate President Dr. Katherine Krolikowski and Classified Senate President Brandy Gibson addressed the graduates. Also on hand were students Brandon Douangsawang and Ricardo Sanchez, the Associated Student Union president, at an event filmed at the college’s Knox Performing Arts Center.