May 19 '25•Benjamin Demers•commencement• graduate

Mission College to Celebrate 2025 Graduates at Commencement Ceremony

Graduates smiling at a part Commencement
Graduates of Mission College celebrate their achievements during the 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the San Jose Civic on May 22, marking a milestone in their academic journey.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Mission College is proud to announce its 2025 Commencement Ceremony, taking place on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. at the San Jose Civic. The event will honor the hard work, perseverance, and academic accomplishments of Mission College’s graduating class.

This year’s commencement speaker is Imani Rupert-Gordon, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). Renowned nationally as a powerful advocate for LGBTQ rights, racial equity, and gender justice, Ms. Rupert-Gordon leads one of the country’s foremost legal advocacy organizations. Under her leadership, NCLR continues to champion transformative legal and policy advancements for LGBTQ individuals and their families.
 
She has been honored by The Root 100 as one of the most influential Black leaders in the U.S., and received the prestigious Judith Butler Award from the University of Chicago’s Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice for her unwavering commitment to social change.
Photo of Imani Rupert-Gordon
Imani Rupert-Gordon, Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, delivers the keynote address at Mission College’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony, inspiring graduates with a message of justice, equity, and transformative leadership.

The ceremony will also feature a special musical performance by Mariachi Estelar, an acclaimed East San Jose-based ensemble known for its rich cultural contributions and community outreach. Founded in 2014 by Jorge Rodriguez, Mariachi Estelar blends traditional and contemporary mariachi elements while working to preserve the genre’s historical roots.

Mission College will recognize students completing a range of academic achievements including:

  • Associate in Arts or Science degrees

  • Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) to the California State University system

  • Certificates of Achievement and Certificates of Proficiency

  • Completion of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC)

Academic honors will be awarded based on GPA:

  • Summa Cum Laude: GPA 3.80 or higher

  • Magna Cum Laude: GPA 3.50–3.79

  • Cum Laude: GPA 3.30–3.49

The Valedictorian, Teresita de Jesus Padilla Montes, will address her fellow graduates, offering reflections on academic excellence and personal growth. The ceremony will also include the presentation of the Trustee Award to Priscila Moreira, Mission College graduating student, by Anne Kepner, President of the West Valley-Mission Community College District Board of Trustees.

Additionally, the Faculty Member of the Year Award will be presented to Dr. Lauren Javier-Tolentino of the Biological Sciences Department, in recognition of outstanding teaching and service.

If you have family and friends who are unable to make Commencement, the entire ceremony will be live streamed at youtube.com/go2missionsc, facebook.com/go2missionsc and at commencement.missioncollege.edu.

Mission College remains committed to student success, equity, and excellence. The 2025 Commencement Ceremony is a celebration of academic achievement and a launchpad for future endeavors in higher education, careers, and service to the community.

Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


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