CBC Graduation Highlights

Coastal Bend College (CBC) held its annual commencement ceremonies on Tuesday, May 21 and Wednesday, May 22 at the Peter S. Marecek Physical Fitness Center at CBC Beeville. The number of graduates has grown to 984 graduates- that’s 100 more graduates than last year. And, because many student’s complete credits for more than one certificate/degree, CBC awarded a total of 1,531 degrees for the 2018-2019 academic year.

Some truly exceptional students graduated this year, including 315 dual enrollment students. Out of all of the graduates that completed either the Associates of Science or the Associate of Arts degree, 41% graduated with honors, representing a GPA of 3.5 or higher. CBC’s largest workforce program, nursing, graduated 178 VNs and RNs at Tuesday’s joint nurse pinning and graduation ceremony.

Michael Tyran, RN, ED ICU nurse director at CHRISTUS Spohn Beeville was the commencement speaker for Tuesday’s joint nurse pinning and graduation ceremony where he reflected on the importance of nurses. Mr. Tyran was born and raised in what was once West Germany. In the early eighties he was posted with the German Army to Canada. After his discharge, he immigrated to Canada where he served with the Canadian Forces and studied engineering. Ultimately, he completed a degree in nursing.

Dr. Ali Esmaeli, the Dean of Mathematics, Science, and Bachelor Degree Programs and University Relations for South Texas College was the commencement speaker for Wednesday’s ceremonies where he reflected on his time as a student at then, Bee County College. Dr. Esmaeli has earned a Doctorate in Bilingual Education, Master of Science in Agricultural Mechanization, Master of Education in Adult Education, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Mechanization (all) from Texas A&M University Kingsville.

CBC’s Office of Marketing & Public Relations captured candid and stage photos from each of the commencement ceremonies. The photos are available for individuals to view and download online at www.facebook.com/coastalbendcollege. We’ve uploaded over 2,000 graduation photos to our Facebook page! Feel free to tag, share and comment on our photos. The photos can be downloaded for free at full-resolution directly from our Facebook page by clicking on the individual photo, clicking “Options” and “Download”.