Cuesta celebrates commencement ceremony honoring more than 1,500 graduates
Hundreds of students earned honors and transfer degrees this year
– Cuesta College will celebrate its 61st Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 22, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo Campus, honoring the achievements of this year’s graduating class.
This year’s ceremony recognizes more than 1,500 graduates across the fall, spring, and summer terms, reflecting the college’s continued commitment to student completion and success.
Graduates have earned degrees and certificates across a wide range of academic and career pathways, including:
- 1,229 Associate of Arts degrees
- 302 Associate of Science degrees
- 371 Associate of Arts for Transfer degrees
- 320 Associate of Science for Transfer degrees
“This year’s graduating class represents resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education,” said Superintendent/President Dr. Jill Stearns. “Each student has taken a unique path to reach this moment, and we are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the impact they will have in our communities.”
Among this year’s graduates, 573 students received The Cuesta Promise, providing two years of fee-free education, and 820 attended local high schools, underscoring the college’s strong connection to the Central Coast community.
The class also reflects a commitment to academic excellence, with more than 590 students earning honors distinctions, including 273 students achieving high honors and 32 students earning a 4.0 GPA. Graduates range in age from 18 to 76, demonstrating that opportunity at Cuesta College is accessible at every stage of life.
One of this year’s standout graduates is Nour Makhoul, president of the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society, who will earn degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics.
Originally from Syria, Makhoul came to the United States three years ago after growing up in a war-impacted region. Her journey reflects extraordinary resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to education.
“Education has always been my way of looking forward,” Makhoul said. “Cuesta College gave me the support, encouragement, and community I needed to keep going and believe in what was possible.”
At Cuesta College, Makhoul became a math tutor, student leader, and honors society president. This fall, she will transfer to UC Davis to study Computer Science.
Makhoul’s story is one of many that reflect the power of community college to expand opportunity, support student success, and help graduates build brighter futures.
Learn more at cuesta.edu.
