MSJC Celebrates 2,952 Graduates During Commencement Ceremonies and Dr. Roger Schultz’s Final Graduation After Nearly Two Decades of Leadership
5/20/2026
From first-generation college students and DREAMers to dual enrollment students, returning adult learners, and graduates completing degrees decades after first enrolling, the Mt. San Jacinto College Class of 2026 represented the diverse stories, perseverance, and aspirations that define the college's mission of transforming lives through education.
Among the graduates this year were Naomi and Nayana Velardi, 22-year-old twins from Romoland who are both on the autism spectrum and earned certificates in Digital Media after pursuing studies in animation, video production, and graphic design with support from MSJC accommodation services and life coaches.
The ceremonies also highlighted the remarkable range of ages and experiences represented within the graduating class. Alyssa Nicole Gumms of Perris, age 16, was recognized as the college's youngest graduate this year. Alyssa began her college journey through dual enrollment and graduated with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science while serving as this year's Tassel Turner.
At the other end of the spectrum, Jacqueline M. Al-Rauf, a 75-year-old student from Hemet, was recognized as the oldest graduate in the Class of 2026 after earning her Associate of Science degree. Jacqueline has served as an emergency room registered nurse since 1982 after previously attending MSJC to earn her nursing degree. She returned to college decades later to earn an additional degree required to teach Licensed Vocational Nursing courses, reminding attendees that learning, growth, and service to others can continue throughout a lifetime.
The ceremonies also celebrated students whose educational journeys reflected resilience and determination across decades. Melissa Lopez, a 48-year-old first-generation student from Murrieta, first enrolled at MSJC in 1995 before putting college on hold while raising four children as a single mother and working full time. This year, she completed two associate degrees: one in Behavioral Sciences and another in Administration of Justice.
“Coming back to college after all these years was something I did not think I would ever accomplish,” Lopez said. “I wanted to show my children that no matter how long it takes or what life puts in front of you, you can still achieve your goals. Earning these degrees means everything to me and my family.”
Students at the Temecula Valley Campus know Lopez well through her work at the campus café, where many affectionately refer to her as their “second mom” for the encouragement and kindness she brings to campus each day.
Esteban Valdes, a first-generation college student, returning student, and DREAMer from Lake Elsinore, was also recognized for overcoming hardship and becoming a student leader, mentor, and Supplemental Instruction Leader while preparing to transfer and pursue a future in business and finance.
“MSJC didn't give us all the answers,” Valdes said. “But it gave us the space to ask the questions. To try. To fail. To change our minds. To grow into versions of ourselves we didn't even know existed when we first got here. And I think that's one of the most powerful things about this place. We found parts of ourselves we didn't even know we were missing.”
Student Trustee and commencement student speaker Claudia Walukouw, a 32-year-old returning student, also reflected on the transformative impact of her time at MSJC.
“When I think of education, I think of the night that I chose to go back to school in pursuit of a nursing degree,” Walukouw said. “Older, non-traditional student, convinced that this was my last chance and not knowing that my time here at MSJC would have such a deep impact on my personal journey of finding my passions and finding the community I never knew I was missing.”
“These students remind all of us that there is no single path to success,” said Roger Schultz.
“Every graduate carries a story of perseverance, sacrifice, growth, and hope. Watching students transform their lives through education has been the greatest privilege of my career.”
This year's commencement ceremonies also reflected the tremendous growth of Mt. San Jacinto College and the communities it serves.
When MSJC held its first commencement ceremony in 1965, the college graduated just eight students. Sixty-one years later, the college awarded 3,881 degrees to 2,952 graduates during four ceremonies over two days, underscoring the institution's continued growth throughout one of California's fastest-growing regions.
During Schultz's nearly two decades as Superintendent/President, the college experienced significant transformation, including the expansion of college facilities by half a million square feet, increasing access to higher education opportunities across the region.
From 2008 to 2026, MSJC experienced an average annual graduation growth rate of approximately 4.7%, rising from 1,681 degrees awarded in 2008 to 3,881 degrees awarded in 2026.
At the conclusion of the academic year, Schultz will retire after leading 18 graduating classes at MSJC.
“This year's commencement felt especially meaningful,” Schultz said. “As our Eagles prepared to soar into their futures, I found myself reflecting on how far this college has come—and how much potential still lies ahead for both our students and this institution.”