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In a press release issued on June 4, Gavilan College announced it had honored its largest-ever graduating class on May 23, awarding 1,779 associate degrees and certificates during its 105th annual commencement ceremony.
The ceremony, which took place at Gavilan’s Gilroy campus, drew thousands of family members, friends and faculty celebrating the Class of 2025.
This year’s graduates are pursuing a range of academic and career pathways, from transferring to top UC and private universities to completion of career education programs in high-demand fields.
Many balanced school with work and/or family responsibilities, while others enrolled directly from high school.
According to the release, the Class of 2025 included a 16-year-old dual-enrolled student earning a degree before high school graduation and a 71-year-old returning learner who fulfilled a long-held goal.
Others were the first in their families to complete college.
Each graduate’s story caries a shared determination to pursue opportunity, meet personal goals, and take full advantage of what Gavilan offers, the release said.
Graduates were enrolled in programs ranging from nursing and aviation to business, education, and social sciences.
During the ceremony, 440 students walked to the stage to receive their degree.
At the time of publishing, the number of graduates from San Benito County was not available. BenitoLink has been in communication with Gavilan to get the count.
“Class of 2025, congratulations. You are a part of history,” Superintendent/President Dr. Pedro Avila said during his remarks to the crowd. “Thanks to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and board, Gavilan College is one of California’s fastest-growing colleges, with a 40% enrollment increase in three years (and) now serving 11,000 students this academic year.”
“This year,” Avila added, “we’re proud to award a record combined total of 1,779 associate degrees and certificates. With the opening of our new Hollister Campus, we are also increasing higher education access, helping students achieve their academic goals, enabling them to enter careers, and providing them vital opportunities for upward mobility.”
According to the release, the record year was achieved through Gavilan’s focused investment in student support.
The college improved course pathways, expanded access to tutoring and increased one-on-one academic support.
It also launched food pantries on both the Gilroy and Hollister campuses to address basic needs.
A campus meal program was introduced as well, offering eligible students monthly food credits and mini grants to help address food insecurity.
Behind every graduate is a team of people who helped make the journey possible, the release noted, including advisors, instructors, and tutors who have all played a part. “That support network continues to be one of Gavilan’s greatest strengths,” the release said.
“As the final names were called, the crowd stood and cheered,” the release said. “Degrees in hand; students walked off the stage and into their next chapters. They are now officially part of the Gavilan alumni community.”
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