New Beginnings
Volume XI, Issue 3, June 18, 2025
Commencement Day 2025 marked the end of a chapter for Santa Monica College’s graduates,
as well as new beginnings. This year—SMC’s 95th commencement, on June 17—featured
the college’s second largest graduating class (over 7,200 students earned 13,394 degrees
and certificates). Among them were Navy veteran Antonio Renoj; former Corsair editor-in-chief
Adriana Brady; student speaker Victoria Salazar; and STEM major Dexter Mack. They
represent the breadth of talent, grit, persistence, and courage that make SMC one
of the most transformative higher education destinations in this nation & beyond.
This world desperately needs our graduates. Congratulations to all of them!
Future Designs
Navy veteran Antonio Renoj graduates having found purpose, community and a creative future at Santa Monica College.
From Center Line to Byline
Adriana Brady was only two weeks into her tenure as its new editor-in-chief when the devastating Los Angeles fires broke out.
Victoria’s Big Victory
It took eight years, but Victoria Salazar finally received the “thick envelope” from UC San Diego. The 2025 graduating student speaker shares her story of self-reliance, tenacity and hope.
A New Chapter for SMC’s Creative Writing Program
For the first time, SMC’s Creative Writing Program is offering a 12-unit creative writing certificate for anyone who wants to take their writing to the next level.
Bragging Rights
A dean receives a statewide award for leadership excellence. A police chief marches from from Auschwitz to Birkenau. An English prof. has a new short story out.
The Art of the Pivot
Graduating this year with associate degrees in philosophy and general science, Dexter Mack is ready to take the next step toward his dream of studying neuroscience.
SMC In the News
Commencement for Second Largest Graduating Class in SMC’s History (opens in new window)
"The Corsair” Wins Top Regional Awards (opens in new window)
Colleges with the Most Mental Health Campus Counselors (opens in new window)
Massive Art Show Brings Work Together From LA’s College Students (opens in new window)
“Converge + Vertex” Concludes Barrett Exhibit (opens in new window)
Commencement 2025
SMC’s Doing What Works Podcast