June 2, 2026
San Diego Mesa College Honors More Than 1,950 Graduates at 2026 Commencement
By Office of Communications
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrated the achievements of
the Class of 2026 during its annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 29, 2026,
honoring 1,958 graduates who earned more than 2,017 academic degrees and 414 certificates.
A total of 727 graduates participated in the ceremony, joined by family, friends,
faculty, staff, and community supporters.
For the ninth consecutive year, Mesa College conferred Bachelor of Science degrees
in Health Information Management, awarding 16 bachelor’s degrees as part of its growing
commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students.
This year’s graduating class includes 85 valedictorians who achieved a perfect 4.0
GPA and 1,054 graduates earning honors with a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The youngest graduate
is 17 years old, while the most seasoned graduate is 80 years young.
Among the graduates recognized during commencement was Oleksandr, recipient of the
prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, one of
the nation's highest honors for community college students. Selected from a highly
competitive pool of more than 1,300 applicants, Oleksandr is one of just 60 community
college students nationwide to receive the award. This fall, he will transfer to the
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he will continue pursuing his
bachelor's degree. The scholarship provides up to $55,000 annually for as many as
three years, helping students complete their bachelor's degrees at accredited four-year institutions
with minimal debt.
The Class of 2026 reflects the diversity and determination of the Mesa community and
includes veterans, San Diego Promise students, student athletes, international students,
San Diego Community College employees, and many students who are the first in their
families to attend college. Among them was Nuhamin Woldeyes, whose commencement journey
added another chapter to her family's Mesa College legacy, celebrated by her parents,
both Mesa alumni. Their story reflects the lasting impact of community college education
and the opportunities it creates across generations.
“Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments in higher education because it
is about so much more than a degree. It is a celebration of growth, resilience, possibility,
and the remarkable journey of becoming,” said Dr. Ashanti T. Hands, president of San
Diego Mesa College. “Today, we celebrate graduates like Oleksandr and every member
of the Class of 2026 whose talent, determination, and perseverance have brought them
to this moment. Behind every graduate is a story of sacrifice, courage, support, and
hope. Their success reflects the transformative power of education to change lives,
strengthen families, and create opportunities that extend across generations. We are
incredibly proud of what they have accomplished, inspired by who they have become,
and excited to see how they will continue to shape their communities and the world.”
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the resilience, dedication, and determination
of Mesa students. Through challenges and triumphs, they remained committed to their
educational goals and now leave Mesa prepared to continue their education, enter the
workforce, and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026.
Tags: Press Release