Commencement Speaker J.R. Martinez (center) congratulates Clark College graduates and 2012 All-Washington Academic Team honorees Lauren Stanton (left) and Tami Eldridge.

Commencement is a milestone in every academic year -- the ultimate celebration of student success.

On June 14, 1934, Clark Junior College honored its first – and only – graduate at its “first all-school banquet and dance” at Vancouver’s Castle Grill.  Mrs. Frances Bunnell Wilde received the college's first diploma.

Since then, the ceremony has been held in both college and community locations.  For many years, it was held in the gymnasium of the O'Connell Sports Center. In recent years, it has been held at the Sleep Country Amphitheater in Ridgefield, Wash. The college draws commencement keynote speakers from across the region, state and country.

Learn more about our annual Commencement and High School/GED Graduation Recognition Ceremonies.