June 22, 2026 -- A total of 7,068 Santa Monica College students -- the second largest graduating class in the school’s nearly 100-year history -- received degrees and certificates last week.
Some 1,100 graduates attended SMC's 96th Commencement at Corsair field Tuesday, with many receiving more than one of the 13,264 degrees and certificates awarded by the college this year.
The commencement was live streamed on the college’s website, so well-wishers and families around the world could be a part of the festivities.
As of last fall, Santa Monica College’s international student body represented 101 nations, according to school officials.
The graduating class included 702 international students, 690 students with disabilities, 375 Scholars students, 197 Extended Opportunity Programs (EOPS) students, and 4 foster youths.
The youngest graduate is 16 years old and graduated with an Associate of Science in Computer Science, college officials said.
The oldest graduate is 85 years old and graduated with three Noncredit Certificates of Competency in English as a Second Language (ESL). The average age for graduates is 26.
In addition to an address by Student Speaker Madeline Davis, who is transferring to Emerson College this fall, the commencement ceremony featured a “Salutation” by SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery.
It also included a “Welcome” by SMC Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Sion Roy and a “Faculty Challenge” delivered by SMC Academic Senate President Vicenta Arrizon.
“On behalf of everyone at Santa Monica College, and along with the friends, families, and well-wishers of the Class of 2026, I celebrate the grit, determination, and hard work of our graduates,” said Dr. Jeffery.
“With singular resolve, they came to SMC to fulfill their aspirations, and today they move on to the next chapter of their career or academic journey. Their accomplishments demonstrate SMC’s life-changing mission in action. I am so proud of them!”
SMC held a number of graduating students’ celebrations in the weeks leading up to Commencement, officials said.