Celebrating the graduating Class of 2026
This weekend, UC Merced will welcome thousands of graduates, family members, friends and supporters to campus as we celebrate Commencement 2026.
The weekend begins with the Graduate Division ceremony today, Friday, May 15 at 6pm on the UC Merced Recreation Field.
The School of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities ceremony will take place tomorrow, Saturday, May 16 starting at 9am.
A joint ceremony for the School of Engineering and the School of Natural Sciences will be celebrated starting at 9am on Sunday, May 17.
Mechanical Engineering graduate and student library employee, Robert Hicks will be the student speaker for Sunday's ceremony. Congratulations, Robert!
We recently asked our graduating students some questions about their time at UC Merced and their future plans.
Library Services Graduates
Mila Arévalo
Mila is graduating with a degree in Psycholy & a Minor in Cognitive Science.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
You cannot gain anything without first giving something in return.
What are your plans after graduation?
Continue working, provide for my family, and continue achieving my goals and dreams.
Jasmine Benson
Jasime is graduating with a degree in Public Health and a minor in Psychology.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
Try not to get so distracted by the thoughts and actions of others. Trust your gut and do whatever makes you happy.
What are your plans after graduation?
Taking a gap year to work before applying to grad school to get a MPH in Epidemiology.
Isabelle Condella
Isabelle is graduating with a degree in Management and Business Economics and a Minor in Psychology.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
To take time to prioritize yourself.
What are your plans after graduation?
To work and get my master's degree.
Liliana Flores
Liliana is graduating with a degree in Molecular and Cell BIology.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self to give herself grace and trust that everything will work out.
What are your plans after graduation?
After I graduate, I plan to spend some time traveling and working while applying to MRI tech programs.
Johanna Hernandez
Johanna is graduating with a degree in Public Health and a Minor in Psychology
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to stress so much about having everything figured out right away. Also, that it's okay to take breaks.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to work, travel, and take some time for myself before applying to grad school!
Robert Hicks
Robert is graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
What is your favorite memory from UC Merced?
My favorite memory from UC Merced is being part of ASUCM, where I had the opportunity to connect more deeply with both the campus and the broader student community.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
One piece of advice I would give to my younger self is not to stress too much, because in the end, things have a way of working out.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to move to the East Coast to begin a full-time role as an engineer. Before starting my career, I'm also looking forward to traveling abroad this summer and taking time to experience something new.
Chidi Onu
Chidi is graduating with a degree in Sociology and a Minor in Business Mangement & Economics.
What is your favorite memory from UC Merced?
Gaining the skills and experience of living independently from my parents.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to save more money.
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans are to get a job with my degree, complete prerequisites for DPT school, and become a physical therapist.
Jessica Perez
Jessica is graduating with a degree in Human BIology & a Minor in Psychology.
What is your favorite memory from UC Merced?
My favorite memory from UC Merced would have to be living in Tenaya during my first year. I met friends who lived next door and my boyfriend in my same floor. It's crazy that one of my coworkers also lived there, and I didn't even know it. It's incredible how many memories the building holds, some of which I didn't even know existed.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
One piece of advice I would tell my younger self is to enjoy life and don't overthink.
Technology Services Graduates
Cian Guerrero
Cian is graduating with a degree in Cognitive Science.
What is your favorite memory from UC Merced?
My favorite memory from UC Merced was joining my friends at a Denny's after one of my most stressful finals weeks.
What are your plans after graduation?
I've already planned a few trips for the next two months after graduation. After that, I'm planning to accet an internship for a role in IT.
Jason Yeung
Jason is graduating with a degree in Cognitive Science & a Minor in Psychology.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
One piece of advice I would give to my younger self is to be patient.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to take a gap year and continue looking for jobs or look at grad school! Most importantly, take time for myself!
Interlibrary Loan Services Graduates
Jose Meza-Pantoja
Jose is graduating with degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and a Minor in Spanish.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
If I had to tell my younger self anything, it'd be to take care of yourself and not worry about the things you cannot control.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I will be taking some time to recharge and get some experience in schools before I commit to getting my MA in School Psychology.
Zinedine Valdez-Delgado
Zinedine is graduating with degress in Biological Sciences and Public Health.
What is your favorite memory from UC Merced?
Starting the Hispanics in Healthcare Club.
What is one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
One piece of advice I would give would be to start studying two weeks before the exam not two days before.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan on attending medical school and pursuing a career in orthopedic surgery.
GIS Center Graduates
Flavio Herrera
Congratulations to all of the Class of 2026 graduates!
