Psychology major Emerald Moreno is inspired by a passion for understanding and interpreting others, along with a deep faith that psychology is her calling. She plans to transfer to a university to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, minor in Spanish, and continue exploring a future in law.
After a major surgery and months of recovery, Tracey Kushner faced a decision that would reshape her future. In 2024, she returned to San Diego Mesa College determined to finish the degree she had started years earlier.
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.
September 3, 2025
San Diego Mesa College proudly congratulates Leland Simpliciano, AANAPISI Program Activities Manager and Grants Director, on being named a recipient of the National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) Educator Award.
Leland’s dedication to education and community impact began long before his time at Mesa, through efforts such as farm working education in Hawaiʻi and the PILOT Program. At Mesa College, his leadership has continued to shine through numerous initiatives, including organizing the Healing Circle for the Maui Wildfires, implementing NHPI cuisines at 72Fifty, developing a resource guide and promotional materials, and leading outreach efforts such as PIFA and APAHM/FAST Awareness Month. He has also given a Classicon presentation, offered UCLA transfer guidance for Pasifika students, and much more.
Tags: AANAPISI, Leland Simpliciano, Awards
Anabell Pulido
Director of Communications
[email protected]
(619) 388-2759
San Diego Mesa College proudly celebrates Dr. Edeama Onwuchekwa Jonah, Associate Professor, Equity and Engagement Librarian, and Learning Resources and Academic Support (LRAS) Department Chair and Mesa’s DEIA Coordinator, as the recipient of the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) Regina Stanback Stroud Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Antiracism, and Accessibility Award.
Connie Renda, MA, RHIA, CHDA, Program Director and Assistant Professor for Health Information Technology and Management, was recognized by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) with the prestigious Leadership Award.
We would like to congratulate our AANAPISI Program Activities Manager and Grants Director Leland Simpliciano as a recipient of the National Pacific Islander Educator Network (NPIEN) Educator Awards!
