With caps high and spirits even higher, 91传媒 honored more than 1,300 graduates during its 2025 commencement ceremony. It was a time to recognize academic excellence and demonstrate personal perseverance rooted in the power of education.
This year, 91传媒 awarded 2,185 associate degrees and an estimated 389 certificates to 1,305 unduplicated graduates, marking a milestone for the institution and the lives of those it serves. The Class of 2025 included students aged 16 to 74, with 105 dual enrollment students earning both a high school diploma and a college degree.
Among the many student success stories was Danelia Fernandez, a first-generation college student, immigrant, and mother who described her path as one marked by resilience. 鈥淭here is no doubt that we are the result of our environment, but we also have the power to change our destiny,鈥� Fernandez said in her moving address. 鈥淓very night, when my emotions told me to cry, and my ambition told me to study, I cried鈥攁nd then I studied.鈥�
The college continues to lead the way in access and innovation through programs like Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and Rising Scholars, a nationally recognized prison education initiative. This year, 81 students graduated through Rising Scholars, and 59 students earned degrees more quickly thanks to 636 hours of CPL credit鈥攃ollege credit awarded for validated skills learned outside the traditional classroom.
Thirty veteran students also crossed the stage, along with four 91传媒 employees who completed their degrees while working at the institution.
During his address, Riverside Community College District Chancellor Wolde-ab Isaac, Ph.D., reminded the audience of the impact education can have across generations. 鈥淎lmost 40 percent of our students are the first in their family to go to college,鈥� he said. 鈥淚, too, was the first in my family to complete high school. Education lifted me鈥攁nd it can lift you.鈥�
91传媒 President Monica Green, Ed.D., urged graduates to celebrate their achievements while looking ahead with hope and confidence. 鈥淟ook back at what you have accomplished,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hen lift your eyes to what comes next. The road ahead is full of promise鈥攁nd you are more than ready.鈥�
Commencement faculty speaker Sarah Burnett reflected on the power of communication and empathy, encouraging students to remain open to new voices and experiences. 鈥淵ou never know where it might take you鈥攐r what love it might bring into your heart,鈥� she said.
The Class of 2025 represented a vibrant cross-section of the community, with 56 percent identifying as Hispanic and 52 percent as female. Students from diverse backgrounds, including those who returned to school after decades, parents juggling multiple responsibilities, and justice-involved learners, demonstrated the heart of the college鈥檚 mission: to serve, uplift, and empower.
Trustee Bill Hedrick officially accepted the graduates on behalf of the RCCD Board of Trustees, and the ceremony concluded with a beloved tradition: the turning of the tassels. 鈥淵ou are now official alumni of 91传媒,鈥� President Green declared. 鈥淐ongratulations, Class of 2025!鈥�
As 91传媒 looks to the future, it continues to build innovative pathways and support systems that help students achieve their goals and contribute to the region鈥檚 social and economic vitality.
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