BUTLER TWP — Butler County Community College is set to graduate its largest class of this century, according to the college’s director of rectors and registration.

Amy Pignatore said that BC3 has 596 potential graduates this spring — the most degrees the college has conferred since at least the year 2000. The college will hold its 49th commencement ceremonies at 7 p.m. May 17, at the field house on BC3’s main campus.

Pignatore said graduates are pursuing 562 degrees and 64 certificates, and range in age from Kathie Potemra of Ellwood City, who is 63 and earning an associate of applied science degree in medical office administration, to age 18. The class also includes 32 student veterans, Pignatore said.

The most popular degree being awarded this spring is an associate of arts degree in general studies, which is being awarded to 67 students. Other popular degrees include associate degrees in business administration, business management, nursing, psychology, criminology, social work and early childhood education.

Master of ceremonies will be Jay M. Kifo, a business intelligence engineer with Highmark Blue Cross-Blue Shield in Pittsburgh who earned an associate degree in computer information systems and business administration from BC3 in 2010.

Kifo will deliver the event’s keynote address, and Butler County Commissioner Kevin Boozel, a 1991 graduate of BC3, where he majored in elementary education, is the event’s distinguished alumni speaker.

Dylan Kersten of Sarver will be the student speaker and Tarah Schmidt of Parker will deliver the student alumni welcome address.