Merritt College proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 20th, honoring the hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments of this year’s graduates. It was an inspiring and emotional occasion as students who once walked the halls of Merritt College crossed the graduation stage, marking the culmination of years of dedication and determination. Faculty, staff, family members, and supporters gathered to celebrate not only academic achievement, but also the bright futures awaiting graduates as they move on to new careers, educational opportunities, and personal endeavors.
Athletic Director Brock Drazen smiling with graduating athletes from the Track & Field and Basketball teams
Criminal Justice graduates who served as Campus Safety Aides smiling with criminal justice club president
Kosi Ugeh, ASMC Vice President of Interclub Council
Among the graduates were board members from the Associated Students of Merritt College (ASMC) - the college’s student government organization, and student-athletes whose commitment extended far beyond the classroom. Their dedication, leadership, and teamwork helped build a lasting legacy on campus and within Merritt Athletics, inspiring future students to balance scholarship, advocacy, and athleticism.
A few of the ceremony’s most memorable moments came from commencement speaker Rowena Brown, Oakland’s At-Large City Councilmember, Merritt College student body president Davina Malbrough, Valedictorian Jacqueline Davis, and Salutatorian Catarina Lourenco. Rowena Brown reflected on her experience as a Merritt College student and the value of giving back to the same community that helped shape her identity. She exclaimed, “The experiences that you have in community college most definitely lay the foundation for your future. Community colleges do not limit your future, but, in fact, they expand it.”
Malbrough spoke about the importance of perseverance, gratitude, and overcoming family loss while pursuing her goals and dreams. Davis and Lourenco followed with testimonies about their college experiences, raising children while pursuing education, and sharing gratitude for staff and faculty at Merritt College.
Davis expressed sincere appreciation for various faculty and staff who supported her along her journey. But then, the crowd cheered when she mentioned a very familiar name and a dear staff member to her - Tauheeda Anderson, Umoja Sankofa Project Manager. She highlighted, “And most of all, Tauheeda, [the crowd shouted before she could finish]. Thank you. Thank you for being my girl. You are our girl, but you’re my girl.” Their heartfelt words resonated deeply with graduates and attendees alike, reflecting the resilience, community, and spirit that define the Merritt College experience.
Rowena Brown, Oakland’s At-Large City Councilmember
Davina Malbrough, ASMC President
Jacqueline Davis, Valedictorian
Catarina Lourenco, Salutatorian
President Johnson also recognized two beloved members of the Merritt College family — Vice President of Student Services Lilia Chavez and Kinesiology Chair Inga Marciulionis — as both prepare to depart from Merritt College this June. Merritt College extends its gratitude to Director Doris Hankins of Student Activities and Campus Life, Student Activities Program Specialist Michelle Mai, Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson, the Board of Trustees, and the many faculty and staff members who helped make the ceremony a meaningful celebration for graduates and their families. As Merritt College celebrates this milestone, the college also looks ahead to welcoming future students. To learn more about Merritt College programs and opportunities, visit www.merritt.edu.