May 21, 2024 - MERCED, Calif. — By James Leonard - Nearly 1,200 students are eligible to cross the stage next week, as the Merced Community College District honors the Class of 2024 with a pair of commencement ceremonies.

For the second consecutive year, students from the Westside of Merced County will get a celebration of their own, as more than 80 graduates are expected to participate in commencement at the Los Banos Campus on May 23.

Then on May 24, nearly 700 graduates are expected at the 61st annual commencement at the main campus in Merced, on Don Odishoo Field at Stadium ’76. Both ceremonies are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., and a livestream of each ceremony will be available at youtube.com/mercedcollege.

“Merced College is home to some of the most talented, dedicated and resilient students you’ll ever meet, and we are so excited to celebrate their accomplishments,” President Chris Vitelli said. “Whether they’re transferring to prestigious four-year universities, beginning their careers, or advancing within their chosen fields, the future is bright for the Class of 2024.”

All told, more than 3,550 degrees and certificates have been earned by 1,960 Merced College students for the 2023-24 academic year, the highest totals since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Class of 2024 includes 508 students who are graduating with honors, having earned a grade-point average of 3.50 or better with a minimum of 45 units completed. And 40 of those students have earned Superintendent’s Honors by maintaining a GPA of 4.0 with at least 36 units completed.

“On behalf of the Merced College Board of Trustees, I’d like to congratulate all of our amazing graduates, who are joining the thousands of Merced College alumni who have improved their lives and our communities through education,” Board President Carmen Ramirez said. “We also extend our gratitude to all the family members and loved ones who have supported them along the way, and the incredible faculty and classified professionals who work so hard every day to ensure their success.”

For information on attending commencement, including FAQs for graduates and guests, visit https://www.mccd.edu/graduation.
Source: Merced College