Moreno Valley College 2026 Commencement Ceremony
Commencement represents not only academic success, but also resilience, community, and the pursuit of opportunity. Moreno Valley College proudly celebrates the graduating Class of 2026. We honor the perseverance, dedication, and achievements of our students as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
Leadership
Ceremony Program
Tradition & Achievement
Academic regalia reflects centuries of scholarly tradition and recognizes academic achievement, honors, programs, and fields of study represented during commencement ceremonies.
Academic ceremonies with gowns, mortarboards, tassels, hoods, and maces are traditions handed down from European universities of the Middle Ages.
These first organized institutions of learning originated during the 12th and 13th centuries, generally under the jurisdiction of the church. Robes, hoods, and caps were worn mainly for warmth in unheated buildings by the clerics, monks, and priests who were the first students.
European universities continue to show great diversity in their academic dress. In the United States, as the result of our English heritage, caps and gowns have been used since colonial times by the faculties of some universities and became generally standardized about 1895.
The field of study is indicated by the color of velvet facing under the chin of the hood worn by master's and doctoral degree holders.
The following programs receive medallions and/or stoles which represent cultural organizations, categorical, and academic programs:
Students wearing cords represent the following:
Students wearing a gold tassel represent Distinction, and students wearing a gold tassel and gold cord represent Great Distinction.
Great Distinction — Student has at least a 3.70 overall grade point average.
Distinction — Student has at least a 3.30 overall grade point average.
Commencement Speakers
Moreno Valley College proudly recognizes student and faculty representatives selected to address the graduating class.
Student Speaker
Juan Alvadaro Diaz believes that faith, perseverance, and curiosity are the foundation for achieving the impossible. Through his involvement in AMSVC, Middle College, MESA, and serving as a Sunday school teacher, he has developed strong leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills while preparing to pursue a future in mechanical engineering.
Faculty Speaker
Professor, Psychology
Adviye Tolunay, Ph.D., has taught Psychology at MVC since 2006. Originally from Turkey, Dr. Tolunay has a notable history of institutional service, was the first recipient of the MVC Diversity Award, was selected by ASMVC four times as Outstanding Faculty Adviser, and is the 64th Distinguished Faculty Lecturer.
Class of 2026
Search for graduates by name or filter by award type.
Moreno Valley College
Thank you to the faculty who support and inspire Moreno Valley College students.
Faculty Recognition
Moreno Valley College extends sincere appreciation to faculty members whose years of service and dedication have positively impacted generations of students and colleagues.
Retiring Faculty
Associate Professor, Dental Assisting
Lidia Hulshof served Moreno Valley College for nearly two decades as an associate professor and program director of Dental Assisting. A graduate of Biola University and Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, she combined her experience as a practicing dentist with a commitment to workforce education. Under her leadership, the Dental Assisting program prepared students for careers as licensed dental assistants and national board examinations. Active in her profession, she maintained memberships in several dental organizations. Hulshof joined the Riverside Community College District in 2006.
Retiring Faculty
Associate Professor, Computer Information Systems
Michael W. McQuead served Moreno Valley College for more than 25 years as a tenured professor of Computer Information Systems. He earned both a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from the University of Southern California and also served as a faculty representative on the College’s Resources Committee. Students valued his practical approach and support throughout their academic journeys . McQuead joined the Riverside Community College District in 1999.
Retiring Faculty
Associate Professor, Administration of Justice/Law Enforcement
Kristy Paine served as an associate professor at Moreno Valley College after joining the Riverside Community College District in 2016. She earned an associate degree from San Bernardino Valley College and both a bachelor’s degree and Master of Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino. She also served as assistant chair of the Public Safety Department and contributed to several college committees. Students valued her real-world perspective and commitment to student success.
Moreno Valley College
We recognize the administrators and campus leaders that support Moreno Valley College students and programs.
Dean of Instruction, Career and Technical Education
Vice President, Business Services
Dean, Student Development and Wellness
Director, Health Services
President
Vice President, Student Services
Director, Enrollment Services
Assistant Director, Student Financial Services
Director, Middle College High School Program
Director, Office of TRIO Programs
Director, Academic Advising and Student Success
Dean of Instruction, Communications and Liberal Arts
Sergeant, RCCD Police
Director, College Corps
Vice President, Planning and Development
Director, Facilities
Director, STEM Innovation
Interim Custodial Manager
Dean, Enrollment Services and Engagement
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Director, Grants
Assistant Director, Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math & Science
Dean of Instruction, STEM
Director, Student Financial Services
Director, Veterans Upward Bound
Dean of Instruction, Public Safety Education and Training
Director, Apprenticeship
Manager, Early Childhood Education Center
Dean, Institutional Effectiveness
Supervisor, Mental Health Services
Assistant Manager, Food Services
Dean, Student Success and Academic Support
Dean, Counseling and Specially Funded Programs
Director, Disabled Student Programs and Services
Commencement Planning
Thank you to the faculty, classified and confidential professionals, administrators, and partners whose work made this year's Commencement possible.
Administrative Specialist, Student Development & Wellness
Assistant Professor, Microbiology
Media Systems Technician
Interim Dean, Student Development & Wellness
Director, Enrollment Services
Program Coordinator, MESA
Media Systems Analyst
Administrative Coordinator, Business Services
Student Body Vice President, ASMVC
Assistant Professor, Music
Administrative Coordinator, Academic Affairs
Director, RCCD Technology Support Services
Director, Facilities
Instructional Department Coordinator
Professor, Student Activities Coordinator
Executive Administrative Assistant, Office of the President
Vice President of Operations, CASE Services USA
Associate Professor, Mathematics
Web Applications Technician
Associate Professor, Communication Studies
Director, Student Financial Services
Media Production Specialist
Administrative Coordinator, Student Services
Academic Evaluations Coordinator
Administrative Coordinator, Planning & Development
Assistant Manager, Food Services
Deaf & Hard of Hearing Coordinator
Administrative Specialist, Specially Funded Programs
Student Body President, ASMVC
With Our Appreciation
Moreno Valley College extends our sincere appreciation to the many campus departments, community partners, and district teams whose support made celebrating the Class of 2026 possible.