WATCH: Bergen Community College Commencement Streaming Thursday

PARAMUS, NJ — Bergen Community College will host a commencement ceremony for the class of 2021 on Thursday. But, like in 2021, the event will be hosted virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has shifted the college careers of those attending Bergen Community College, many of whom haven't attended in-person class since March 2020.

"Commencement marks the most important day of the academic year, providing an opportunity for the College to recognize our graduates’ success," President Eric Friedman said. "While this always represents a special occasion, it’s particularly exciting for the class of 2021 due to the extraordinary circumstances they’ve overcome during the past two years to reach this day."

Friedman also has something to celebrate, as this will be the first commencement ceremony he'll preside over during his tenure. It will recognize nearly 2,800 students, the college said.

The ceremony will stream live on YouTube at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, and feature many of the familiar traits of an in-person ceremony, college officials said.

Watch it here:

Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Ph.D., the president and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa International, will deliver the keynote address.

"Dr. Tincher-Ladner represents one of the most respected voices among community college leaders," Friedman said. "She remains the ultimate advocate for access and inclusion – hallmarks of community colleges – and our students. I’m grateful that she will lend her positivity to this year’s commencement exercises."

Valedictorian Crystal Yoo, of Hackensack, will deliver remarks, and class of 2021 graduate Genesis Capellan, of Englewood, will sing the National Anthem. Student Government Association President Laila Metwaly, of Fairview, will close the ceremony by leading her peers in turning their tassels, the college said.

The class of 2021 features high school students from Cliffside Park, Garfield, North Arlington and eight others earning degrees as part of the College’s early college program, members of the Turning Point Program for students with intellectual disabilities, and members of the College’s Alpha Epsilon Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society of two-year colleges.

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