Moreno Valley College Celebrates More Than 2,100 Graduates
More than 2,100 graduates made history during the 2025 commencement ceremony at Moreno Valley College (MVC). They defied the odds, rewrote legacies, and proved the power of a community that lifts one another up to achieve great things.
From the youngest graduate at 17 to the oldest at 76, the Class of 2025 proved that determination and support can carry students across any finish line.
The college awarded 2,049 associate degrees and 985 certificates to 2,124 graduates during the June 13 ceremony. Among them were 210 students graduating with great distinction, having earned a GPA of 3.7 or higher, and 307 students with distinction, earning between 3.3 and 3.69.
This year’s celebration highlighted the heart of MVC: students from all walks of life, many of whom balanced work, parenting, or military service while pursuing their education. Several Middle College students earned multiple associate degrees in addition to their high school diplomas, including a few students who graduated with five degrees. In all, 87 high school students completed both their diplomas and associate degrees through dual enrollment—MVC’s largest group of early college graduates to date.
The ceremony also marked powerful family milestones. Parents and children, siblings, and aunts and nieces walked the stage together. Some graduates carried toddlers in their arms throughout the event. Others stood proudly as the first in their families to earn a college degree.
Felipe Galicia, professor of biology, delivered the faculty address and spoke to the perseverance of the class.
“You made it through EduNav crashes, professors who replied two weeks later with ‘Hope this helps,’ and chemistry lab partners who disappeared halfway through the semester,” Galicia said. “You didn’t quit. That’s real growth.”
Student speaker Tiara Taylor, who earned an associate of science for transfer in business administration, reflected on how her time at MVC shaped her confidence and community.
“I think MVC gave me the courage to be kinder to myself,” Taylor said. “It was repeatedly affirmed that I had value—even when I didn’t see it at first.”
“One of my favorite parts of MVC is that we have people from all walks of life—mothers, fathers, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, first-generation college students, and people returning to school after decades,” she added. “We’re stronger when we know who we are.”
The ceremony continued a long-standing MVC tradition, with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse leading the processional, a symbol of the college’s connection to civic partnership and public service.
Vice President of Student Services Roosevelt Charles recognized graduates who participated in the college’s many student support programs and reflected on the role of MVC’s educators.
“Our students have access to devoted faculty, classified professionals, and administrators who believe in them and their success,” Charles said.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Joumana McGowan led the ceremonial turning of the tassel.
“The ceremonial gesture of shifting your tassel to the left marks your advancement and recognition as graduates,” McGowan said. “It represents your hard work, dedication, and the incredible journey you've completed.”
The celebration was made possible through the efforts of dozens of college employees who coordinated logistics, guided the student procession, provided interpretation, and ensured the day ran smoothly.
With record-breaking growth in associate degrees, certificates, dual enrollment, and student honors, Moreno Valley College continues to expand access to higher education in the region while building a college-going culture rooted in equity, excellence, and community. At MVC, you belong.