Under a warm, sunny sky, Río Hondo College proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 63rd Commencement Ceremony on May 22, marking one of the institution’s most cherished traditions. The campus was filled with excitement, pride and heartfelt emotion as 1,857 graduates gathered to commemorate this extraordinary milestone alongside the family members, friends and support systems who helped make the moment possible. Their achievement was not theirs alone, but a shared victory for everyone who encouraged, uplifted and stood beside them throughout their educational journeys.
The spirit of the graduates filled the ceremony with joy, optimism and a profound sense of accomplishment as they crossed the commencement stage, officially joining the Río Hondo College alumni community and stepping confidently into their next chapters.
Joining in the celebration were Río Hondo College District administrators, faculty, classified professionals and members of the Board of Trustees, all united in honoring the dedication, ambition and academic success of the graduating class.
Among the graduates were students earning Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees, many of whom will continue their educational journeys at universities this fall, building upon the strong academic foundation established at Río Hondo College.
The ceremony also marked a significant milestone for the College’s expanding academic offerings, as 17 graduates received a Bachelor of Science in Automotive Technology — a reflection of Río Hondo College’s commitment to providing affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degree pathways that prepare students for specialized careers in high-demand industries.
Leading the Class of 2026 was valedictorian Huy Tran, who maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average during his time at Río Hondo College and will continue his academic journey at UCLA this fall. Graduates also heard inspiring remarks from keynote speaker Dr. Monica Sánchez, Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Pico Rivera, who encouraged the Class of 2026 as they embark on their next chapter.
The 63rd Commencement Ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the impact of higher education and the determination of students who pursued their goals with focus and purpose. As caps soared into the air and celebrations continued long after the ceremony concluded, the Class of 2026 left campus not only with degrees in hand, but with limitless possibilities ahead.