MSJC Celebrates Class of 2025 at 61st Commencement Ceremony
5/22/2025
A father of five who returned to school after dropping out of high school. A 21-year-old honors student, musician, and club president graduating with five degrees. And a 90-year-old first-time college student who inspired three generations of her family to attend MSJC.
These are just a few inspiring stories highlighting 黑料不打烊鈥檚 (MSJC) 61st Commencement Ceremony, held Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula.
MSJC held three separate ceremonies throughout the day to accommodate all graduates and their families. New this year, the college introduced real-time English and Spanish captioning and interpretation services, reflecting its designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), with 52% of students identifying as Hispanic.
MSJC awarded 2,556 graduates a total of 3,353 degrees and certificates. The graduates ranged in age from 15 to 90.
During his keynote remarks, MSJC Superintendent/President Dr. Roger W. Schultz addressed the graduates:
鈥淓very graduation is a milestone, but today is particularly special because it represents more than the completion of courses or the earning of degrees. It is a celebration of action, breakthroughs, collaboration, and courage. The diploma you receive today is the key to new opportunities, challenges, and successes.鈥�
Among the graduates celebrated for their perseverance, leadership, and transformation:
Gerardo Sanchez, 45, of Hemet, a husband, father of five, and caregiver to three children with autism. After dropping out of high school in 10th grade, he returned to education through MSJC鈥檚 Adult Education Program and earned his GED in 2022. He graduated with three associate degrees in Sociology, Social Justice, and Liberal Arts 鈥� Social and Behavioral Sciences. 鈥淭he support I received from MSJC鈥檚 staff and programs made all the difference in my journey,鈥� Sanchez said. 鈥淔rom food and gas cards to help during tough times, to replacing my broken laptop so I could stay enrolled, their support went far beyond the classroom. I was ready to give up more than once, but their belief in me kept me going. Today, I鈥檓 graduating with three degrees, and it鈥檚 because MSJC didn鈥檛 just support me鈥攖hey empowered me. I hope to pay that forward someday.鈥�
Jaxon Tabesh, 21, of Murrieta, is graduating with five associate degrees, including in Business and Computer Science. A recipient of the 2023 North American Country Music Association International (NACMAI) award, Tabesh also distinguished himself as a leader on campus. He served as President of the Computer Science Club, an Honors Program mentor, Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Officer, and a Supplemental Instruction Leader. He also helped organize MSJC鈥檚 first-ever hackathon. 鈥淓ach role was an important part of my deeply rewarding leadership and graduation journey,鈥� Tabesh said. 鈥淭he support I received from MSJC was essential to my journey. From outstanding counselors and professors to dedicated tutors and supportive peers, I was surrounded by people who believed in me every step of the way. I truly could not have done it without them.鈥�
Rita Victoria Hernandez, 90, of Temecula, enrolled at MSJC during the COVID-19 pandemic at the urging of her family to 鈥渒eep her brain alive.鈥� Despite health challenges and personal loss, she persevered and became the oldest graduate in the Class of 2025. Her graduation marks a continuing family legacy鈥攈er granddaughter graduated from MSJC in 2022, her great-granddaughter in 2024, and her great-grandson will begin at MSJC in the fall. 鈥淎s someone who had never experienced college before, I can honestly say the support I received at MSJC was unbelievable,鈥� Hernandez said. 鈥淚 was fortunate to learn from inspiring and dedicated professors whose encouragement played a key role in my success.鈥�
This year鈥檚 commencement also marked a solemn and historic moment for MSJC, as the college awarded its first-ever posthumous degree.
In a profoundly moving tribute, the college recognized Marisa Alejandra Rosas, a beloved member of the MSJC community whose life was tragically cut short. Her passion for learning, commitment to her goals, and deep love for her community left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
An empty chair with a flower in the front row honored Marisa鈥檚 presence and rightful place among the Class of 2025.
鈥淚n honor of her academic efforts and the life she devoted to bettering herself and those around her,鈥� Dr. Schultz said, 鈥満诹喜淮蜢� is proud to award Marisa Alejandra Rosas with MSJC鈥檚 first posthumous degree. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating Marisa鈥檚 life and accomplishments.鈥�
The Class of 2025 reflects the heart of MSJC鈥檚 mission to transform learners, communities, and lives. With degrees earned, goals achieved, and new chapters beginning, this year鈥檚 graduates exemplify resilience, diversity, and determination.
