By Lookout Staff

June 4, 2025 -- The second largest graduation class in Santa Monica College (SMC) history -- ranging in age from 16 to 97 -- will receive degrees and certificates during the school's 95th Commencement Ceremony this month.

The student class numbering 7,248 will be awarded 13,394 degrees and certificates. So far, more than 1,450 students had confirmed they will attend the ceremony Tuesday, June 17, at 4 p.m. at Corsair Field, school officials said.

Families and friends from around the world who are unable to attend the ceremony can view the proceedings via a live webcast on the SMC Commencement webpage (smc.edu/commencement).

"Commencement is the highlight of each academic year and acknowledges a significant milestone that brings tremendous joy to all of us at Santa Monica College," said SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.

“This year, we will be honoring a class that persisted in achieving their goals during a period of extraordinary challenge and change." Jeffery said in a statement.

"They will carry our best wishes and hopes that the same resolve leads them to embrace new opportunities. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2025!”

The ceremony features a "Salutation" and "Introduction of Special Guests" by Dr. Jeffery; "Welcome" by SMC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Nancy Greenstein; "Faculty Challenge" by SMC Academic Senate President Jamar London and the "Student Challenge" by graduating Student Speaker Victoria Salazar.

Among the graduating class are two 16-year-olds who are each receiving four Associate degrees and a 97 year old who earned a noncredit certificate of completion in advanced English as a Second Language (ESL) and who was two years old when SMC's first commencement took place.

“Our graduates reflect the heart of what California Community Colleges stand for -- access and transformation," said SMC Enrollment Services Dean Esau Tovar.

"Some came to SMC while still in high school; others returned after years away; and many came in search of a new purpose in life,” Tovar said “And, today, they leave SMC as college graduates.”

SMC is also holding specialty graduation ceremonies mostly in the weeks leading up to Commencement.