MARYSVILLE, Calif. – Yuba College will celebrate the accomplishments of its graduating students on Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m. at the Yuba College Athletic Complex.

This year, 913 students will receive their degrees and certificates.

“We are immensely proud of our graduates and their extraordinary achievements,” said Dr. Tawny Dotson, president of Yuba College. “We recognize the dedication it takes for each student to remain focused to earn their credentials. It’s not an easy path, but their hard work is worth it.”

Notable highlights of the ceremony include the keynote speech, given by student Shirley Camacho, and an original poem written and performed by former Yuba-Sutter Poet Laureate Salma Alfaqeeh, a senior at Marysville Charter Academy for the Arts.

This year’s recipient of the Yuba College Medal is Sarah Barnes. During her time at Yuba College, she initiated Rainbow Connections, a student club advocating for LGBTQ students and allies, and founded an organization that supports the feral cat population on campus. She will transfer to UC Davis this fall.

Yuba College graduates have expressed gratitude for the guidance they received throughout their educational journey. Rebecca Hounshell reflected on her experience fondly.

“Yuba College has a really good support system. The staff were always there and willing to help," she said. "As a first-generation college student, this support was invaluable."

Hounshell has been accepted at Sacramento State with plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in health science.

California Community College Chancellor’s Office defines a first-generation college student as a student whose parents have not attended college. Of Yuba College’s 913 graduates, nearly 500 are first-generation college students.

“It takes courage for these students to walk through the college doors,” Dotson said. “Their achievement is a testament to their determination to excel. These graduates are not only transforming their own lives but also inspiring their families and communities.”

Gurneet Janda worked as a student employee in the counseling department at Yuba College.

“Working in the counseling department has helped me tremendously with my journey here at Yuba College, whether it was personally or academically. I gained a great amount of knowledge about my education, choices, and goals, and they prepared me for the future,” she said. “The counselors and my friends have been the most helpful to me in my journey.”

Janda will transfer to Sac State to major in graphic design with a minor in marketing.

Dotson noted several achievements that she is proud to announce on behalf of the college.

“Two-thirds of our graduates are women,” she shared. “And nearly half of the graduates are students of color. Our college aims to be a welcoming place that supports diversity and promotes inclusion in all corners of the campus. This diverse group of graduates gives me hope that our students know everyone is supported here and can thrive.”

She added that the ceremony will honor 15 veterans, including current members of the active duty, National Guard and reserves, as well as 40 veteran dependents.

In terms of academic achievements, an impressive 250 students have earned multiple degrees. Additionally, 138 students have been honored for academic distinction with GPAs between 3.75 and 4.0, and 27 students have maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA.

“As the graduates prepare to step to the next path along their journey, they do so equipped with knowledge and skills that will serve as the foundation for their future success,” Dotson said. “I’m honored that these students began their journey at Yuba College and proud of each one for all that they have already accomplished.”

For more information about Yuba College and its programs, please visit https://yc.yccd.edu/.