More than 1,300 students expected to walk the stage Thursday evening at Adventist Health Arena
It will be a historic night for San Joaquin Delta College as the College celebrates its 91st annual Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 14, with more than 1,300 students expected to attend and be honored as part of the largest graduating class in Delta’s history.
The ceremony begins at 6 p.m. at Adventist Health Arena, where families, friends, faculty, staff, and community members will gather to celebrate the hard work and perseverance of Delta College graduates.
For many students, the road to graduation has been filled with challenges far beyond the classroom. Some balanced schoolwork while raising children, caring for family members, working multiple jobs, or facing struggles related to housing, food security, or health. Yet they continued forward, reaching a milestone that represents not only academic achievement, but personal strength and determination.
“Our graduates have overcome a great deal to reach this milestone,” said Delta College Superintendent/President Dr. Lisa Aguilera Lawrenson. “Through it all, they continued moving forward. Their presence at Delta College’s record-breaking 91st Commencement ceremony is a powerful reflection of their perseverance, determination, and strength.”
Delta College reports that 3,532 students applied for graduation in 2025-26, seeking a combined 4,409 degrees and 1,083 certificates. Those numbers reflect the wide impact Delta continues to have across Stockton and the greater San Joaquin County region, helping students prepare for careers, transfer opportunities, and brighter futures.
Thursday’s celebration will mark more than just the end of an academic journey. For many graduates, it will be a moment of pride for entire families — a night filled with cheers, photos, hugs, and the powerful reminder that community colleges continue to change lives.
As Delta College prepares to celebrate its largest-ever graduating class, the evening stands as a proud moment for Stockton and the surrounding communities.
For more details about the ceremony, visit deltacollege.edu/commencement.