On Thursday, May 22, College of San Mateo celebrated its 103rd Commencement Ceremony at the historic College Heights Stadium, where families, faculty, staff, and community members gathered to honor the achievements of the Class of 2025. Under a sunny sky full of cheers, 1,282 degrees and certificates were awarded to 928 graduates, ranging in age from 16 to 80—‌a powerful reminder of the transformative and lifelong nature of education.

Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez, President of College of San Mateo, welcomed guests with a heartfelt address reflecting on his first full year in leadership. “This is your party,” he told graduates, speaking of the “heart-work” students have done to overcome challenges and define their educational journeys. He emphasized CSM’s role in nurturing agency, joy, and transformation, adding, “You are part of this legacy. You are legacy.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga, founder and executive director of ALAS (Ayudando Latinos A Soñar), inspired the audience with her reflections on justice, identity, and community advocacy. Student speaker Amy Nguyen shared her moving story as a first-generation Vietnamese American graduate who found empowerment and academic voice through the Honors Project, Asian Pacific American Cultures & Community program, and her leadership on campus. “CSM is not a compromise—it is a revolution,” Nguyen said, urging fellow graduates to embrace their power and continue “rocking the boat.”

Michael Guingona, President of the SMCCCD Board of Trustees and a proud Skyline College alumnus, congratulated the graduates and reminded them that community college prepares students to solve real-world problems creatively and resiliently. Vice President of Student Services Alex Guiriba and Acting Vice President of Instruction Danni Redding Lapuz recognized academic achievements and special student cohorts, including Promise Scholars, student leaders, and veterans.

The ceremony featured a land acknowledgment delivered by Anthony Peña Vasquez, the outgoing president of the Associate Students of College of San Mateo. This was followed by musical processions, cultural celebrations, and a spirited reading of graduates’ names by CSM faculty.

The celebration continued after the ceremony with a lively reception, at which graduates and their guests gathered to reflect and celebrate.

Watch the recorded livestream of CSM’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony on CSM’s YouTube channel.

Class of 2025 Statistics