Class of 2026 is largest graduating class in LMC history
Contact: Juliet V. Casey, jcasey@losmedaonos.edu, (925) 473-7322
Pittsburg, Calif. — Los Medanos College (LMC) will celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026 during its 52nd Commencement Ceremony at 10 a.m., Friday, May 22, 2026, at the Concord (Toyota) Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, CA 94521.
This year marks the largest graduating class in the college’s history, with 1,623 students earning a total of 2,755 awards. Graduates will receive a range of credentials, including 48 noncredit certificates awarded to 35 students, 1,075 certificates of achievement, and more than 1,640 Associate Degrees of Science and Arts. The Class of 2026 reflects the rich diversity of the community, with graduates ranging in age from 16, two of the youngest recipients, to 71, the college’s two eldest scholars.
The Class of 2026 represents significant growth for the institution, increasing 19.4% from 1,358 graduates in 2025 to the largest cohort to date. Total awards are up 21.5% over the 2,266 awards given last year. The certificates of achievement increased 54% this year from 698 in 2025, and associate degrees saw a 19.8% boost over 1,398 from the prior year. These milestone underscore Los Medanos College’s expanding role in providing accessible, high-quality higher education and career training opportunities across the region.
“Our ceremony highlights the transformative role that higher education and career training play in shaping students’ futures, while strengthening our community,” LMC President Pamela Ralston said. “Graduates will cross the stage representing a wide spectrum of academic pathways and career goals, including transfer-bound scholars and workforce-ready professionals.”
This year’s ceremony will feature two student speakers whose stories reflect the spirit and mission of Los Medanos College:
- Benjamin N. Osborn, a founding member and president of RISE, LMC’s support program for students who
have experienced the justice system, will deliver a graduate address. Osborn is also
a representative of the Berkeley Underground Scholars program at LMC and leads the
nonprofit “From Shackles to Scholarships,” advocating for educational access and second
chances. His journey exemplifies perseverance and the transformative impact of education.
- Maria Guadalupe Mendoza, an honors student, will also address the graduating class. Over the past three years, Mendoza has balanced her academic pursuits with extensive community service, volunteering with Kaiser Permanente in the mom-baby and labor and delivery units. She has also supported local communities through her work with the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and Clean Start Homeless Outreach, demonstrating a deep commitment to service, compassion, and leadership.
Family members, friends, faculty, and community supporters are invited to attend and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2026.
About Los Medanos College (LMC): LMC is one of three colleges in the Contra Costa Community College District serving the East Contra Costa County community. Established in 1974, LMC has earned federal designations as a Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving institution. It offers award-winning transfer and career-technical programs, support services, and diverse academic opportunities in an inclusive learning environment. With exceptional educators, innovative curriculum, growing degree and certificate offerings, and state-of-the-art facilities, the college prepares students to succeed in their educational pursuits, in the workforce, and beyond. LMC’s Pittsburg Campus is located on 120 acres bordering Antioch, with an additional education center in Brentwood.