Commencement Highlights

Fall Commencement 2025

A beaming Jesus Cevon-Gonzalez stood among his family, enjoying his freshly bestowed bachelor’s degree in computer science. “I’m just trying to make my parents proud,” the Merced native said.

Hundreds of UC Merced Bobcats celebrated their academic advancement with friends and loved ones during and after ceremonies at The Art Kamangar Center at The Merced Theatre.

The graduates also were welcomed to UC Merced's Alumni Association, now more than 21,000 members strong.

Vanessa Sanchez of Fairfield said it felt “surreal,” after years of study and effort, to hold a master’s degree in quantitative and systems biology. “Now it’s time to get my doctorate,” she said.

Graduate Division students were urged by keynote speaker Omar DeGuchy, Ph.D. ’20, to give back to the Bobcats who follow them. “It’s our responsibility to prompt the future generations of student success,” he said.

Dale Johns, undergraduate keynote speaker, noted UC Merced’s 20th anniversary and asked: “What will your story look like in 20 years? Go forth, illuminate the world with your unique light and make your story an amazing one.”