June 17, 2026

Santa Monica College Celebrates 96th Commencement with Thousands of Grads and Guests

Santa Monica College (SMC) celebrated its 96th commencement on June 16, 2026. Around 1,100 graduates from the Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Corsair Field to receive their diplomas. This year, a total of 13,264 degrees and certificates were awarded to 7,068 students, including 3,050 students who graduated with more than one degree or certificate. [Photo Credit: Amy Williams Photography / Santa Monica College]
Santa Monica College (SMC) celebrated its 96th commencement on June 16, 2026. Around 1,100 graduates from the Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Corsair Field to receive their diplomas. This year, a total of 13,264 degrees and certificates were awarded to 7,068 students, including 3,050 students who graduated with more than one degree or certificate. [Photo Credit: Amy Williams Photography / Santa Monica College]

Santa Monica College Celebrates 96th Commencement with Thousands of Grads and Guests

This Year, 13,264 Degrees & Certificates Were Awarded to 7,068 Students; Second Largest Graduating Class in College’s History

SANTA MONICA, CA — World Cup fever took a back seat for one evening. On Tuesday, June 16, at Santa Monica College’s Corsair Field, around 1,100 graduates from the Class of 2026 crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. This year, a total of 13,264 degrees and certificates were awarded to 7,068 students, including 3,050 students who graduated with more than one degree or certificate.

This year’s graduating class was the second largest graduating class in the college’s history.

SMC’s 96th commencement was also live streamed on the college’s website, so that well-wishers and families around the world could be a part of the festivities. As of last fall, Santa Monica College’s international student body represented 101 nations.

A few other noteworthy stats from this year’s graduating class:

  • 23 Bachelor of Science in Interaction Design degrees conferred
  • 409 Noncredit Certificates of Completion and 457 Certificates of Competency
  • The youngest graduate is 16 years old and graduated with an Associate of Science in Computer Science.
  • The oldest graduate is 85 years old and graduated with three Noncredit Certificates of Competency in English as a Second Language (ESL).
  • Included 702 international students, 690 students with disabilities, 375 Scholars students, 197 EOPS students, and 4 foster youths.
  • The graduating class was 58.4% female; 38.6% male; 3% nonbinary/unreported
  • Student Speaker Madeline Davis
  • SMC graduates wave to their family and friends
  • SMC Graduates
  • Friends and family at SMC's 96th Commencement
  • SMC graduate is all smiles after receiving her diploma
  • SMC Graduates

In addition to an address by Student Speaker Madeline Davis—who is transferring to Emerson College this fall—the commencement ceremony featured a “Salutation” by SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery; “Welcome” by SMC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Sion Roy; and a “Faculty Challenge” delivered by SMC Academic Senate President Vicenta Arrizon.

To read inspiring grad stories, as well as for more stats and information, check out the “2026 Commencement Program (PDF)” available at smc.edu/commencement.

# # #

 [Photo Credit: Amy Williams Photography / Santa Monica College]