Under beautiful blue skies and perfect sunny weather, College of Alameda proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its commencement ceremony on the campus soccer field on Friday, May 22, 2026. Before the ceremony began, graduates gathered in the gymnasium, taking photos and videos with friends, loved ones, classmates, and faculty as they prepared for one of the biggest milestones of their lives. The atmosphere across campus was filled with joy, reflection, and excitement for the journeys ahead.
Juliana Garcia-Uribe, Outreach Specialist (black robe) and Ryan Gregory, Enrollment Services Coordinator (far right) smiling with their graduating student workers.
President Melanie Dixon congratulating students and passing out high fives.
Before students walked onto the field, Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson and College of Alameda President Melanie Dixon energized graduates by running through the gathering areas, hyping them up, giving words of encouragement and showing their pride in what the soon-to-be graduates had accomplished. Their enthusiasm helped create a ceremony rooted in community and perseverance. This year’s commencement speaker Adrien Abuyen, Valedictorian Abdo Al Mumin Abuzaid, and Salutatorian Perry W. Green III provided a stirring representation of COA’s campus, all men of color whose accomplishments reflected the significance of diversity, equity, and creating opportunities for young men in urban communities. They spoke about the value of COA’s diversity, their own resilience, sharing personal testimonies about “the come up”, and reiterating the importance of student leadership within the College of Alameda community. Abuzaid expressed, “It may sound cliché, but we’ve truly been a community here at community college.” Green III followed by announcing, “This is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like. And don’t you ever give up on you!”
Adrien Abuyen, Commencement Speaker and Alumnus
Abdo Al Mumin Abuzaid, Valedictorian
Perry W. Green III, Salutatorian
The ceremony also highlighted the beauty and multiplicity of the graduating class. The Dental Assisting Program stood out with professionalism and elegance as graduates celebrated the completion of their healthcare training. Emotional moments were also shared by student parents who crossed the stage holding their children, symbolizing sacrifice, determination, and the generational impact of education.
College of Alameda extends heartfelt gratitude to Dean of Enrollment Services John Nguyen, Enrollment Coordinator Ryan Gregory, Student Services Executive Assistant Angela Kimble, Vice President of Student Services Mildred Lewis, Vice President of Instruction Nicole Porter, the Academic Senate, Classified Senate, Chancellor Tammeil Gilkerson, and the Board of Trustees for helping make the ceremony such a meaningful celebration for students, families, faculty, and staff. As the Class of 2026 begins its next chapter, College of Alameda proudly celebrates the impact these graduates will continue to make in their communities and beyond. If you are interested in applying or enrolling for the Fall 2026 semester, please visit www.alameda.edu.
