Hancock Celebrates Graduates at 2026 Commencement Ceremony

MAY 22, 2026-- Allan Hancock College celebrated the achievements of 1,196 graduating students at the college’s 105th commencement ceremony. 

“No matter what path brought you to this moment, you should be proud of what you have accomplished,” Hancock Board of Trustees President Hilda Zacarias said to the more than 600 graduates who participated in the May 22 ceremony, which took place on the college’s athletics field at its Santa Maria campus. “Wherever your path leads, know that you leave here with knowledge, experience, confidence, and the ability to create opportunity for yourselves and for others.” 

This year, Hancock grads earned a total of 1,775 associate degrees and 1,427 certificates of achievement across 116 different majors. 

“Our mission has never been simply about helping students’ complete classes,” Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. told the graduates. “It’s about opening doors, creating access, and building pathways that lead to careers, transfer, and opportunity. Today, you will walk through those doors. What you have built here matters.” 

Nearly 50 percent of Hancock’s class of 2026 received the Hancock Promise, a popular program that provides two years of college tuition-free for local high school students. The 105th graduating class also boasted the highest transfer rate to Cal Poly SLO (67 percent) for the 25th consecutive year. A total of 262 Bulldog graduates were accepted to become Mustangs in the fall. 

Many of this year’s graduates are also leaving Hancock with impressive academic accomplishments. A total of 261 graduates received honors for having 3.5-3.99 grade-point averages (GPAs), and 46 received high honors for 4.0 GPAs. 

Attendees at the ceremony also heard inspiring stories highlighting the perseverance, growth, and achievements of Hancock graduates. Those included Abraham Castaneda, who balanced full-time work in a demanding healthcare setting while earning his degree and preparing for a future in medical school; Rafael Ramirez-Madrigal, who found support and purpose at Hancock while pursuing his dream of becoming a writer and director; Jamal Gragston, who discovered a passion for mathematics and is now preparing for a future in engineering; Dezirae Rodriguez, who overcame setbacks while balancing academics, athletics, and leadership opportunities; Carolina Garcia, whose personal experiences inspired her pursuit of a future in law and advocacy; and Ashley Roepke, an Orcutt Academy High School senior who graduated with two associate degrees as part of the Early College Cadre (ECC) program. A total of 26 ECC students graduated with a degree from Hancock thanks to the partnership between the college and OAHS. 

Associated Student Body Government President Annabelle Ruiz also addressed the graduating class, encouraging students to continue growing and pursuing their goals even when life becomes difficult or uncertain. Ruiz reminded graduates that the perseverance and determination that brought them to commencement day would continue to guide them long after leaving Hancock.  

"If I had one message for you all, it’s that life gets busy, and things won’t always be easy,” Ruiz said. “But even in the smallest moments or spaces, remind yourself to still grow." 

As Hancock’s class of 2026 moves on to their next adventure, registration for summer and fall classes at Hancock is ongoing. Summer classes begin June 8 and fall classes begin Aug. 17. 

To learn more about Allan Hancock College, visit www.hancockcollege.edu.