Commencement 2025

On May 22, College of San Mateo gathered at College Heights Stadium to celebrate the Class of 2025; an intergenerational cohort of 928 graduates awarded 1,282 degrees and certificates, ranging in age from 16 to 80. College President Dr. Manuel Alejandro Pérez marked his first full year with a message about agency, joy, and “heart-work,” while keynote speaker Dr. Belinda Hernandez-Arriaga from critical community partner Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS) and student speaker Amy Nguyen lifted stories of identity, belonging, and persistence that define our community’s college.

Commencement also highlighted the partners and programs that move students from access to achievement, including Promise Scholars, veterans, international students, and first-generation graduates, among others, underscoring our commitment to equity and academic excellence. The celebration closed with music, cultural acknowledgments, and the conferring of diplomas that marks each graduate’s accomplishments.

To watch the ceremony highlights and hear graduates in their own words visit collegeofsanmateo.edu/grad25reel. 

Visit collegeofsanmateo.edu/grad25 to watch a recorded livestream of the ceremony. 

CSM’s Class of 2025

Description	Total
Total Degrees & Certificates Awarded	1282
Graduates with Honors	525
First-Generation College Graduates	447
Promise Scholar Graduates	284
Veteran Graduates	62
International Student Graduates	59
DACA/Dream Act/AB540 Student Graduates	39
Foster Youth Graduates	6
Oldest Graduate	80
Youngest Graduate	16