State Center Community College District sees record number of 2026 graduates

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A record number of graduates at State Center Community College District are expected to cross the stage this year, reflecting a growing trend of students choosing community colleges.

Hundreds of graduates and their loved ones filled the Save Mart Center on Thursday for the 11th annual Clovis Community College commencement ceremony, the first of several ceremonies scheduled over the next few days.

District officials said some ceremonies have grown so large that they were moved to the arena for the first time.

The class of 2026 marked the occasion with cheers of "congrats class of 2026," celebrating a milestone defined by resilience, tenacity and determination.

For many, the diploma represents more than an academic achievement.

"I'm ready to graduate, excited to go onto the next big thing," said graduate Francesca Castro.

Castro stood out among her peers, earning 10 associate degrees, including in chemistry, physics and biology. The 4.0 student plans to attend UC Berkeley in the fall and hopes to pursue a career in science.

"I want to be able to work in prosthetics, designing them or medical devices, the machines," Castro said.

She is among a record number of graduates in the district this year. The size of the ceremony necessitated a move to the Save Mart Center, where stands were packed with supporters.

"Super proud, super proud, he deserved this," one attendee said.

"This is her fourth degree. We're really proud of her," another attendee said.

Across California, about 2.2 million students attend community colleges, making it the largest higher education system in the country. Castro, a graduate of Clovis West High School, said community college was not her first choice but ultimately became the right path.

"I think I'm going to be able to take my knowledge from community college and experiences here and be able to use them over there in a four-year university," she said.

Clovis Community College has been ranked No. 1 for transfers for the past seven years. School officials say affordability, smaller class sizes and flexible scheduling continue to draw more students.

"It's only $46 to attend Clovis Community College. Many of our students qualify for financial aid or a fee waiver, so they don't pay that fee," said Stephanie Babb of Clovis Community College.

The ceremony also featured commencement speaker Christi Seinhauer, 51, who shared her nontraditional journey with graduates.

"Week by week, class by class, I realized I wasn't out of place. I was exactly where I was supposed to be," she said.

Graduates included parents, veterans, first-generation students and caregivers, each reaching the milestone through persistence.

Additional ceremonies are scheduled at the Save Mart Center, with Reedley College set to graduate later Thursday evening, followed by ceremonies at Madera and Fresno City College on Friday.

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