The College of Alameda Gymnasium was filled with music, pride, and shared joy on May 14, 2026, as the Peralta Community College District hosted its annual Raíces Peralta Latinx Graduation Ceremony. This special districtwide event brought together graduates from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College to celebrate not just their academic milestones, but their rich cultural heritage and the families who supported them along the way.
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.
Under the open skies of the UC Berkeley Memorial Glade on May 21, 2026, Berkeley City College (BCC) dismissed its latest class of graduates into the world. It wasn't just a celebration of final exams passed and credits earned; it was a testament to boundary-pushing resilience. Guided by the poignant, student-selected theme, “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”, the commencement ceremony honored a massive, record-breaking cohort poised to shake up academia and industry alike.
The energy on the Laney College football field was electric as family, friends, faculty, and community partners gathered to honor the incredible journeys of the Class of 2026. This wasn’t just a graduation; it was a mass celebration of collective triumph, stubborn resilience, and the deep-seated Oakland pride that defines the Laney spirit.
You've probably heard of ESOL: English for Speakers of Other Languages but are you familiar with VESL? That stands for Vocational English as a Second Language. This term refers to English language programs that specifically integrate job skills and workplace competencies to improve the employability of students. Our colleague Jamille Teer (District Service Center Department of General Services and 4CS Board Member) recently attended a Laney VESL graduation ceremony and found it to be a moving experience.
Each of the Peralta Colleges held wonderful commencement ceremonies this year. Joe Sullivan from Peralta's marketing department put together this very nice highlights reel which Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson shared with the Board of Trustees during her Chancellor's Report on June 10, 2025. Congratulations Class of 2025 Graduates!
On May 22, 2025, Merritt College held its commencement ceremony at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, celebrating the achievements of the Class of 2025. The ceremony was filled with inspiring speeches and heartfelt congratulations.
The Laney College football field was a scene of immense pride and jubilation on May 23, 2025, as nearly 6,000 attendees gathered for the 2025 Laney College Commencement. The atmosphere was electrifying, celebrating the dedication and perseverance of the graduating class.
The College of Alameda athletic field was abuzz with energy and pride on May 23, 2025, as the college held its commencement ceremony for the Class of 2025. The event was a powerful testament to the graduates' resilience and determination.
On May 22, 2025, Berkeley City College held its graduation ceremony at the Laney College Football Field, honoring the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. The ceremony celebrated the resilience and achievements of the graduates, with inspiring words from speakers and a vibrant atmosphere.
