May 10 '26•Benjamin Demers•commencement• graduate

Mission College to Celebrate 2026 Graduates at Commencement Ceremony

Graduates smiling at a part Commencement
Graduates of Mission College celebrate their achievements during the 2026 Commencement Ceremony at the San Jose Civic on May 20, marking a milestone in their academic journey.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College is proud to announce its 2026 Commencement Ceremony, taking place on Thursday, May 20, at 4:00 p.m. at the San Jose Civic. The event will honor the hard work, perseverance, and academic accomplishments of Mission College’s graduating class.

This year’s commencement speaker and musical performer is Rocky Rivera, an emcee, journalist, author, and activist recognized for her socially conscious work in hip hop, storytelling, and community advocacy. She is a member of Beatrock Music, has released multiple albums and mixtape projects, and authored the essay collection “Snakeskin: Essays by Rocky Rivera.”
Photo of Rocky Rivera
Mission College also announced that Rocky Rivera will serve as the 2026 Commencement keynote speaker and musical performer.

Mission College will recognize students completing a range of academic achievements including:

  • Associate in Arts or Science degrees

  • Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) to the California State University system

  • Certificates of Achievement and Certificates of Proficiency

  • Completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)

Academic honors will be awarded based on GPA:

  • Summa Cum Laude: GPA 3.80 or higher

  • Magna Cum Laude: GPA 3.50–3.79

  • Cum Laude: GPA 3.30–3.49

The Valedictorian, Dipanshu Jassal, will address their fellow graduates, offering reflections on academic excellence and personal growth. The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Trustee Award to Trang Kim Thi Vu, Mission College graduating student, by Adrienne Grey, President of the West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees.

Additionally, the Faculty Member of the Year Award will be presented to MyTra Nguyen-Vu of the Child Development Department, in recognition of outstanding teaching and service.

If you have family and friends who are unable to make Commencement, the entire ceremony will be live streamed at youtube.com/go2missionsc and facebook.com/go2missionsc.

The theme is "Voices of Change, Visions of Hope."

Mission College remains committed to student success, equity, and excellence. The 2026 Commencement Ceremony is a celebration of academic achievement and a launchpad for future endeavors in higher education, careers, and service to the community.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


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