Good evening, Merced College Class of 2025!
What an absolute honor it is to stand before you tonight.
not just as your commencement speaker, but as someone who once sat exactly where you are now…
Full of hope, curiosity, a little caffeine, and maybe a tiny voice whispering, “Wait… did I actually turn in that final?”
Many, many years ago, I will not say how many.
I was a student right here at Merced College.
Back then, I was doing what many of you have been doing these past few years:
juggling classes, working jobs, questioning my choices in majors, and wondering. “What comes next?”
But let me tell you—–Merced College gave me more than just an education.
It gave me direction.
It gave me opportunity.
And—it gave me my wife.
That’s right. — I met the love of my life in John Spevak’s English 1A class.
I came for a syllabus… and unexpectedly found my forever.
So, if you’re still single, do yourself a favor check your old class rosters.
Your future partner might have been two seats away, silently correcting your grammar.
Merced College has changed quite a bit since I was here.
There are new buildings, — new programs, and many more coffee options.
But — Merced College’s mission has not changed:
To open doors.
To challenge minds.
And to lift people higher than they ever thought they could go.
Looking out at you tonight, I can confidently say—
Mission accomplished.
You’ve made it through the late nights, — the early mornings, the mid-term meltdowns,
the group projects, where one person never responds, and the group texts where everyone responds all at once.
But through it all you adapted. You pushed forward.
And you did it with heart, hustle, and a whole lot of grit.
The word community is what Merced College is all about.
This college has brought us together.
Now, as graduates, you are a permanent part of the Merced College legacy.
Do not think of this degree as a finish line.
It is a launching pad.
Where you go from here, is totally up to you.
Whether it is a university, a new job, public service, or even a startup in your garage do it with compassion, purpose, and integrity.
Be the person who lifts others — as you rise.
Now, as someone who has the honor of serving as your mayor and yes, even that job comes with group projects.
I can tell you; success is not about titles.
It’s about impact. It’s about how you treat people.
It’s about what you do, when no one is looking, except maybe your mom, who is still tracking you on your cell phone.
As Mayor of Los Banos, I have the privilege of serving the very community that helped shape who I am.
And let me tell you, there is real joy in public service.
“There is joy –in helping neighbors and finding practical solutions to everyday challenges.”
There is joy in watching your hometown grow stronger because you played a part in building something that matters.
So, this evening, I leave you with this challenge:
Take everything you’ve gained at Merced College yes, even from that 8 a.m. class you barely managed to make and turn it into something that matters.
Not just for you, but for your community, your family, and for the people who will follow in your footsteps.
I began right here, just like you a small-town kid with big dreams.
And because of Merced College, I found the foundation to build a future.
Class of 2025:
You have made your mark here.
Now go out and make your mark on the world.
Thank you and again, Congratulations!
