Cerritos College celebrates commencement ceremony with the Class of 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 28, 2026
Media Contact: Aya Aoki; Public Relations and Communications
NORWALK, Calif. – May 28, 2026 – Cerritos College celebrated its commencement ceremony on May 22, honoring the Class
of 2026 and awarding over 8,000 degrees and certificates. This milestone captures
the transformative impact of higher education and its meaningful return on investment
for students and the broader community.
Among this year’s graduates were 120 high school students from Cerritos College’s Early College Program, marking another major milestone for the growing initiative. Through the program, students take Cerritos College courses while still in high school, with many earning an associate degree or certificate before receiving their high school diploma. Offered at no cost to participants, the program saves students and families thousands of dollars while giving students a significant head start on transfer, a bachelor’s degree, and future career opportunities. Since graduating its first cohort last year, the Early College Program has achieved a 100 percent four-year institution acceptance rate, with students earning admission to universities across the country, including Ivy League institutions.
The ceremony featured speakers who celebrated the resilience, determination, and aspirations
of the Class of 2026 and encouraged students to lead with purpose as they begin their
next chapter. Student speaker Lynnette Bautista, a single mother and finance major,
emphasized her choice to pursue a brighter future for herself and her daughters. Lynnette
will transfer to California State University, Long Beach, with the goal of establishing
a foundation in her daughters' names to support women and families. Reflecting on
the perseverance shared, she reminded her fellow graduates, “Never forget the version
of you that continued showing up. The version of you that refused to settle. That
version of you is unstoppable.” Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco, one of the keynote
speakers and a proud alumna, echoed Lynette’s message, encouraging graduates to embrace
their unique experiences, relationships, and lessons learned that shaped their journeys.
Drawing from her own story, Assemblymember Pacheco urged the graduates to continue
moving forward, even when the path ahead feels uncertain.
Closing keynote speaker, Cerritos College Board of Trustees President Dr. Dawn Green, reminded the audience that commencement is just the beginning of their journey. Dr. Green described their experience at Cerritos College as the “Falcon Blueprint” for their next steps. A blueprint that taught them how to overcome challenges, pursue opportunities, persevere through adversity, and uplift others along the way. Her final message to graduates was powerful: you belong.
The achievements of the Class of 2026 and Early College program graduates underscore Cerritos College's recent recognition as #1 in Return on Investment in Los Angeles County. “Graduates, this achievement marks more than a ranking. It becomes your next step. The return on investment you receive from Cerritos College is the preparation and the opportunity to rise in your career, continue your education, and have the confidence to keep moving forward,” said President/Superintendent Dr. Jose Fierro.
About Cerritos College: Cerritos College serves as a comprehensive community college for southeastern Los Angeles County. Communities within the college’s district include Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Norwalk, and portions of Bell Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Santa Fe Springs and South Gate. Cerritos College offers nearly 300 degrees and certificates in nine divisions. Annually, more than 5,000 students successfully complete their course of studies, and enrollment currently averages 21,000 students. Visit Cerritos College online at www.cerritos.edu.
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