More than 1,260 Merced College students are eligible to walk the stage this year, as the college celebrates its Class of 2025 with commencement ceremonies in both Merced and Los Banos.
The third annual Los Banos Campus Commencement Ceremony will take place Thursday, May 22, while the 62nd annual ceremony at the main campus in Merced will be held Friday, May 23, on Don Odishoo Field at Stadium ’76. Both events begin at 6 p.m. and will be livestreamed at youtube.com/mercedcollege<https://youtube.com/mercedcollege>.
Each ceremony will feature a keynote address from a distinguished Merced College alumnus. In Los Banos, Mayor Michael Amabile will be the keynote speaker, while U.S. Congressman Adam Gray will address graduates the Merced ceremony.
“Commencement is always one of the most inspiring days of the year,” President Chris Vitelli said. “We’re so proud of this year’s graduates—many of whom have overcome incredible obstacles to reach this point. Their persistence and potential are a reflection of our mission and values as a college, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve next.”
This year, Merced College students earned a total of 3,533 degrees and certificates, a slight increase from last year’s totals. That includes a 4.5% increase in certificates, driven in part by growing career education programs on both campuses.
Of the 1,260 unduplicated students earning awards this year, 316 are graduating with honors, having earned a grade-point average of 3.50 or better with a minimum of 45 units completed. And 60 students are receiving Superintendent’s Honors for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA with at least 36 units completed.
“This milestone represents years of hard work and commitment, not only from our graduates, but from the family members, educators and support systems behind them,” said Carmen Ramirez, President of the Merced College Board of Trustees. “We are proud to honor the Class of 2025 and the bright future they represent for our region.”
At the Los Banos Campus, nearly 200 local graduates are eligible for this year’s ceremony, reflecting the continued growth and popularity of the Westside event. The college has expanded seating for the audience in anticipation of record attendance.
“Each year, we’ve seen more and more students and families embrace this celebration in their own community,” said Jessica Moran, Dean of Instruction at the Los Banos Campus. “It’s exciting to see our campus and our programs growing—and to be able to celebrate our students’ success close to home.”
For more information about attending either ceremony visit mccd.edu/graduation<https://www.mccd.edu/graduation>.
