BCC Celebrates Graduates “Blooming in Resilience” at 2025 Commencement

Over 150 graduates of Berkeley City College’s Class of 2025 gathered with family, friends, faculty, and staff on a warm Spring day at the Laney College football field to celebrate this year’s commencement ceremony themed “Blooming in Resilience.”

Berkeley, CA – On May 14, 2025, the Peralta Community College District held its fifth annual Raíces Latinx Graduation celebration at Berkeley City College. The event, open to all, honored the achievements of Latinx graduates from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College, marking a significant milestone for students and their families.

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the Peralta Association of African American Affairs (PAAAA) proudly hosted its 17th Annual African/African American Graduation for the Peralta Community College District. The vibrant event, open to all, celebrated the rich tapestry of the African diaspora while honoring the remarkable achievements of graduates from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.

OAKLAND, CA – On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Peralta Community College District hosted its second annual district-wide Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Graduation Celebration, bringing together students, families, faculty, and staff from Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College to honor the achievements of the graduating class of 2025.

Nani Perry shares her supportive experience from Umoja Community, which focuses on the African American Diaspora and others who are interested in the African American Diaspora. She states that Umoja provides students with college tours, conferences, and resources, and helps students choose their classes.

On Thursday, May 1, 2025, on a glorious spring day in Oakland, we kicked off “Smile Season” and the month-long celebration of student successes throughout the district. Following the tradition of Libations by Kimm Blackwell, Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson warmly welcomed attendees to the Peralta Association of African American Affairs (PAAAA) Scholarship Awardee Reception, expressing her joy in celebrating the extraordinary student scholars. She began by acknowledging and thanking the PAAAA Scholarship Committee for their dedication in making the event possible.

A dedicated group of faculty representatives from the Peralta Community College District recently joined colleagues from across the state at the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges (ASCCC) 2025 Spring Plenary Session.

At the April 8th Board of Trustees meeting, Peralta Community College District Chancellor Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson proudly recognized five exceptional classified professionals as the 2025 Classified Employees of the Year. These individuals, representing Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, Merritt College, and the District Service Center, were celebrated for their unwavering dedication, professionalism, and profound impact on our district and the wider community.

The Peralta Community College District made a significant splash at the recent Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) 2025 conference held on beautiful Shelter Island in San Diego!