Merritt College Cultural Graduations

This Season of Celebration at Merritt College has been nothing short of amazing. After holding the inaugural District AAPI graduation earlier in the month, we hosted the Peralta Raíces Latinx Graduation on Thursday, May 17th. The ceremonial nature of the event was quite powerful, and it was so heartening to see so many families there to support our students (especially our Merritt College Puentistas)! After receiving all of the graduates, we took a moment to recognize Isela Santana (who will be working as the English Instructor Training Coordinator to the statewide Puente Project for the next three years), and were treated to a performance by Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano (an all-female Mariachi group led by our very own Vice President of Student Services Dr. Lilia Chavez).

Merritt College Commencement

Merritt College held its 69th Commencement Exercise on Monday, May 20th at the Paramount Theater. We had over 300 graduates participate in the event, and were also honored to have California Secretary of State Dr. Shirley N. Weber, deliver the keynote address. Another thing that stood out for many was the number of students who earned degrees and certificates in career education fields. To have so many students prepared to enter the workforce in their chosen professional field was quite inspiring. Our student speakers were also impressive, as they shared messages of perseverance, optimism, and gratitude. It was a tremendous event and the highlight of the academic year. So I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge all of the classified professional staff members, faculty, and administrators who worked so hard to make our Commencement such a success—but special thanks go to Director of Student Activities and Campus Life Doris Hankins for everything she does. Please know that you are loved and appreciated!

Longtime Merritt Food Service Providers Retire

In closing, I want to express my appreciation and gratitude to Jun Kim and Khim Kim (affectionately known here as the Kims) for the past seventeen years that they have spent with us. As part of Fresh and Natural, they have provided quality food services to our visitors, staff, and students—and they have done it with a professionalism and generosity of spirit that is unmatched. One thing for which I am particularly thankful is how they worked with us to seamlessly transition to our Free Breakfast program (initiated during the pandemic). Their patience and flexibility while we were going through that unprecedented and difficult time is something that I will always remember and cherish. So, on behalf of Merritt College, we wish the Kims an enjoyable and relaxing retirement—it is certainly well-deserved!!