The Butte College 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony will take place on Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m at John Cowan Sports Complex. Photo courtesy of Butte College

 

OROVILLE, CA (MPG) - Butte College will confer 1,699 degrees and celebrate a distinct group of 1,349 graduates during its 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 30, at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the John Cowan Sports Complex on the college’s main campus, located at 3536 Butte Campus Drive, Oroville. Superintendent/President Virginia Guleff will preside over the ceremony alongside the Butte-Glenn Community College District Board of Trustees.

“This ceremony is a celebration of resilience, transformation, and achievement,” said President Guleff. “Each graduate represents a journey, many with challenges overcome, and a future filled with possibility. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!”

This year’s commencement incorporates moving participation from students, including the 2025 student speaker, platform marshals, vocalists, and distinguished graduates.

Student commencement speaker Jennifer Placencia of Hamilton City will address her fellow graduates with a heartfelt message about determination and family legacy.

“When I first stepped foot onto this campus, I carried more than just books in my backpack. I carried my family’s hopes, sacrifices, and dreams,” Placencia shared. “Dreams they didn’t have the chance to pursue themselves.”

Placencia previously completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CAN) program at Butte College and will earn her associate degree in health this spring, graduating cum laude.

Student Senate President Mercedes Cortez Nava and Student Trustee Liam Eller will serve as this year’s platform marshals along with two 4.0 graduates, William Kenichi Irvin and Nicole Marie Brooks, and District retirees Donna Davis and Kim McCall.

Graduate Alexis Maldonado will perform the national anthem. Maldonado is among the many students who found support, opportunity, and community through the college’s programs and services.

A special moment of this year’s ceremony is the presentation of the Teacher of the Year Award, hosted by the Butte College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

The Class of 2025 reflects the broad reach of Butte College’s programs, with graduates ranging in age from 17 to 78. Students come from 159 cities and towns across California, 11 states across the country, and 16 nations around the globe. This diversity of graduates speaks to the college’s reputation as a place of access, support, and academic excellence.

Family, friends, faculty, and staff are invited to join the celebration in person. For those unable to attend, a livestream of the event will be available at butte.edu/stream.

Butte College will also host several additional academy graduations and end-of-year celebrations throughout the campus. These events honor the unique achievements of students in specialized programs and learning communities. A complete list of upcoming celebrations can be found at butte.edu/calendar.