Nearly 450 graduates crossed the stage during the 2026 Commencement Ceremony on June 12, marking a milestone celebration for a graduating class of 1,532 students whose perseverance, determination, and commitment led them to degrees and certificates that will shape their futures.
The Class of 2026 represents students who completed academic programs from summer 2025 through the anticipated summer 2026 term, earning a combined 2,571 degrees and certificates that reflect the breadth of academic and career pathways at Norco College.
Among the graduates were 171 students from John F. Kennedy Middle College High School, including 112 students who also earned associate degrees from Norco College. The graduating class also included 128 Rising Scholars students, 43 veterans, and graduates ranging in age from 15 to 71 years old, underscoring the college’s commitment to expanding access and opportunity for learners at every stage of life.
The ceremony reflected both the scale of the graduating class and the individual stories that brought students to this moment of achievement.
Throughout the evening, speakers highlighted the resilience, growth, and shared experiences of the Class of 2026.
Student speaker Gino George encouraged his peers to reflect on their personal journeys at Norco College, describing each graduate’s experience as a “song” shaped by struggle, growth, and perseverance. He urged graduates to recognize the strength in their voices and to carry forward the lessons learned through persistence and community.
Faculty speaker Dan Reade offered a reflection on the meaning of commencement, drawing on themes of family, perspective, and shared accomplishment. He reminded graduates that their success represents both individual determination and the encouragement of those who supported them along the way, emphasizing the pride felt across families, faculty, and friends.
“Commencement is one of the most meaningful traditions at Norco College because it celebrates the resilience, growth, and success of our students,” said Monica Green, Ed.D., president of Norco College. “Every graduate has a unique story, and together they represent the transformative power of higher education. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to the impact they will make in their communities and careers.”
The ceremony marked not only the completion of academic journeys, but the beginning of new chapters for the Class of 2026—who now join the ranks of Mustang alumni carrying their experiences forward into universities, careers, and communities.