April 22, 2026 - MERCED, Calif. — By James Leonard - The Class of 2026 will be the largest in Merced College history, with nearly 1,550 total students eligible to walk the stage in commencement 
ceremonies at the Merced and Los Banos campuses.
The fourth annual Los Banos Campus commencement ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 30, and the 63rd annual ceremony at the main campus in Merced will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 1, on Don Odishoo Field at Stadium ’76.
Merced County District Attorney Nicole Silveira, a Merced College alumna, will be the keynote speaker for both ceremonies. Both events will be livestreamed at youtube.com/mercedcollege.
“Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments in the lives of our students,” President Chris Vitelli said. “This year’s graduates represent resilience, determination and a deep commitment to their goals. We are proud to celebrate their achievements and confident in the impact they will make in our communities and beyond.”
This year, more than 2,300 individual students are set to earn a record-setting total of 4,087 potential degrees and certificates, pending final administrative review. That total includes 427 students graduating with honors, having earned a grade-point average of 3.50 or better with a minimum of 45 units completed. And 59 students are receiving Superintendent’s Honors for achieving a perfect 4.0 GPA with at least 36 units completed.
“This accomplishment reflects not only the dedication of our students, but the support of their families, faculty and classified professionals who helped them reach this milestone,” said Joe G. Gutierrez, President of the Merced College Board of Trustees. “On behalf of the Board, we are honored to recognize the Class of 2026 and all they represent for the future of our region.”
At the Los Banos Campus, more than 260 local graduates are eligible for this year’s ceremony, reflecting the continued growth and popularity of the Westside event.
“It’s been so rewarding to see this ceremony become such an important tradition for Los Banos and our surrounding communities,” said Jessica Moran, Dean of Instruction at the Los Banos Campus. “Each year, more students and families are able to celebrate this milestone close to home, and that sense of community makes the experience even more meaningful.”
For more information about attending either ceremony, visit mccd.edu/graduation.
Merced College does not discriminate, and prohibits harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Source: Merced College
