Commencement takes place on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 6 PM at the 萝莉研究所 Sports Complex.
Get ready to celebrate! The NC Commencement ceremony is an epic event hosted by the RCCD Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, and the College President. It all kicks off with a grand academic procession at 6:00 PM sharp, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. You鈥檒l hear inspiring words from college leaders, faculty, and your fellow graduates before the big moment鈥攖urning your tassel from right to left, officially marking your transition from student to proud NC graduate and alum. This is your night to shine!
Meet Your Commencement Speakers
Faculty Speaker Bio: Sarah Burnett, Ph.D.
Her journey led her to The Gambia, where she spent a year teaching before earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social anthropology from the University of Swansea in Wales. After graduation, she emigrated to the United States, where unexpected turns led her to early intervention. She obtained a master鈥檚 degree from Johns Hopkins University and dedicated herself to supporting families with young children with disabilities鈥攑roviding the kind of assistance her own family never received.
More life changes brought her to teaching, first part-time at RCCD and then full-time at 萝莉研究所 in 2005, where she became a faculty member in Early Childhood Education. In 2013, she achieved a milestone she once thought impossible鈥攅arning a Ph.D. in Special Education from Claremont Graduate University.
December 2024, Dr. Burnett embraced a new chapter, returning to early intervention and exploring the field of early childhood mental health, retiring from her full-time position at 萝莉研究所. She believes that life is about taking chances, stepping into spaces that challenge, and stretching one's limits. For Dr. Burnett, missteps are not failures but windows and doors leading to possibilities鈥攅ach shaping the person she is today.
Student Speaker Bio: Danelia Fernandez
Her academic journey has been marked by a passion for mental health research and a commitment to advocacy and service. Fernandez Sunsin has been an active member of EOPS, TRIO, Unity Zone, the Dreamers and Leaders Club, and has played leadership roles within her California College Corps Fellowship. From supporting therapeutic riding programs to restocking food pantries, she has turned acts of service into sources of healing 鈥� both for herself and the communities she serves.
Currently as a tutor and mental health aide with Step UP, she continues to create spaces of support for others. Her commencement address will explore the theme of resilience, shaped by her lived experiences with immigration, adversity and growth. She credits professors Nikky Caps, Melissa Wilson, and Mark Lewis, along with mentors Christine Lopez, Kimberly Thomas and Christopher Castillo for guiding her in discovering her own voice and strength.
Described by faculty as ethical, reflective and hardworking, Fernandez Sunsin plans to transfer to a four-year university and pursue advanced studies focused on trauma and healing. Her long-term goal is to earn a graduate degree in clinical psychology and work with children and trauma survivors.
Riverside Community College District is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations to all District programs and activities.
Need accommodations for the big day? We鈥檝e got you! Just reach out to the Disability Resource Center at drc@norcocollege.edu or (951) 372-7070 at least five days before the event. If you miss the deadline, we鈥檒l do our best to help鈥攂ut the sooner, the better!
ASL Interpreters: ASL interpreters will be available for the duration of the ceremony. They will be viewable on the screens to each side of the stage.
Closed Captioning: Closed Captioning (CC) for the ceremony will be available on the YouTube Livestream only. Return to this webpage at 6pm on the day of Commencement to view the Livestream.
Parking: Limited handicap parking will be available in the upper parking lot adjacent to the Sports Complex. A handicapped drop-off zone will also be available in the same lot.
Seating: For guests with disabilities, there will be limited accessible seating, available on a first come, first served basis. Once you have entered the soccer field, there will be a golf cart available to transport you to the accessible seating area if needed. Golf cart service will only be offered before the ceremony begins.
Wheelchairs/Equipment Unavailable: Wheelchairs and other accessible equipment are not provided by 萝莉研究所.
Yes, regalia will be available at the , and will be available for purchase in-store and online.
Students may purchase instore for quickest service. You may also purchase and have it shipped to your house. Please include your height and weight when ordering. Gowns are one size fits most; XL caps and gowns also available upon request, while supplies last.
Diplomas are distributed by the Office of Admissions and Records. They will be mailed to your permanent address approximately six weeks after degrees are conferred on June 13.
Diploma covers are distributed to students on stage at the in-person Commencement Ceremony.
Grad bash will be held in the bookstore on May 5th, from 9am-4pm. This will be the first day regalia goes on sale and we want to celebrate your accomplishments!! Stop by for a photo booth, cap decorating, sales on Norco merch, and all things cap and gown.
No problem at all- we understand that not everyone will be able to attend which is why we have set up the option to order on our website. Please visit norco.bncollege.com to place your order for pick up or to have it shipped to the address of your choice.
