Merced College prepares for largest graduating class at Los Banos Campus

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Excitement is building at Merced College as final preparations are underway for graduation ceremonies at its Los Banos Campus.

The stage has been set for what the college says will be its largest-ever graduating class.

More than 1,500 students are expected to take part in commencement ceremonies, with 120 soon-to-be graduates attending from the Los Banos campus.

Felicia Jones, the student services manager at the Los Banos Campus, said the campus's smaller size creates a close-knit environment for students and staff.

"It's such a family because it is a smaller campus, so when we see them walk, or when I see them walk, it's like I followed them through this whole journey and so now we're at the end of the road and commencement is here," Jones said.

The commencement ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m.

Organizers say they are closely monitoring the weather, particularly wind speeds, which can create concerns for the North Valley campus.