The Class of 2026

A Celebration of Purpose, Possibility and Warrior Pride

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By Kristina Stamper

3 minute read

Academic Success

For four days in late May, the University Amphitheatre became the stage for thousands of stories years in the making.

Families waved signs and cheered from the stands. For many graduates, the journey celebrated at Commencement began long before they arrived at Stanislaus State. As President Britt Rios-Ellis reminded the Class of 2026, their degrees were rooted in the hopes, sacrifices and aspirations of generations who came before them.

“You carry the hopes and dreams of your families and your ancestors,” she told graduates. “Please take a moment to pause, to breathe it in and to celebrate.”

That legacy was reflected in honorary doctorate recipient Jacque Wilson, whose connection to the University began when his father brought him to campus as a 3-year-old child. Decades later, Wilson returned to the same campus as a distinguished alumnus and community leader, embodying the transformative promise that Commencement celebrates.

Stanislaus State’s 66th Commencement ceremonies celebrated the Class of 2026 and the determination, resilience and community that brought them there. Across four ceremonies honoring graduates from each academic college, the University recognized not only academic achievement but also the promise of what comes next.

One of the week’s most memorable moments arrived during the College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work ceremony, when rain showers brought a fresh energy.

A sea of umbrellas filled the outdoor venue as graduates smiled, waved and took in a milestone years in the making.

“Graduates, the day you’ve envisioned, worked for, and earned is finally here,” said Provost Rich Ogle. “Look around you. Let this moment settle in — this moment where we are surrounded by two of our most precious resources in the Central Valley: this beautiful rain and every one of you.”

The graduates represented the diverse communities Stanislaus State serves throughout the Central Valley and beyond. Nearly 70 percent of this year’s graduates were the first in their families to earn a degree and they ranged in age from 19 to 77. Their stories reflected a defining characteristic of Stanislaus State: opening pathways to opportunity and transforming lives through education.

From Possibility to Purpose

The ceremonies highlighted the many ways a Stan State education prepares students to lead, serve and contribute to their communities.

College of Science student speaker Samone Singh captured that spirit in remarks that connected the scientific mindset to life beyond the classroom.

“Science taught us something bigger than facts or formulas,” Singh said. “It taught us resilience.”

She reflected on the documents that marked each stage of the college journey — applications, acceptance letters, research papers and exams — before arriving at one final piece of paper: a college diploma.

“As we walk across the stage today, we’re not just receiving a degree,” she said. “We’re accepting our responsibility — our responsibility to question boldly, to think critically, to act with integrity and to never stop being curious.”

The Warrior Spirit on Display

Throughout each Commencement ceremony was the unmistakable sense of Warrior pride.

That spirit was perhaps best captured in the recurring themes heard from speakers throughout the week: lead with love, stay curious, serve others and remain connected to the communities that helped shape you.

As graduates crossed the stage, they carried more than degrees. They carried the values and experiences that define the Stanislaus State experience — resilience, service, opportunity and community.

The celebration extended far beyond campus. Family members and supporters from around the world joined ceremonies through livestream broadcasts, while Spanish-language interpretation ensured more loved ones could share in the experience.

Each graduate’s walk across the stage represented countless acts of support, perseverance and belief.

Looking Ahead

The milestone of Commencement marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Class of 2026.

They will enter classrooms as teachers, clinics as healthcare professionals and businesses as future leaders. Some will continue their education through graduate study or research. Many will remain in the Central Valley, giving back to the communities where they grew up.

As the final graduates crossed the stage and Commencement week came to a close, one thing was clear. The Class of 2026 leaves Stanislaus State not only with credentials but with purpose, possibility and the enduring spirit of a Warrior.