A beaming Jesus Cevon-Gonzalez stood on Merced’s Main Street, surrounded by his mom and dad, grandparents, sister and other loved ones. He clutched the proof of a freshly bestowed bachelor’s degree in computer science.
“I’m just trying to make my parents proud,” the Merced native said.
Cevon-Gonzalez was among about 400 UC Merced graduate candidates who gathered with friends and family on Dec. 19-20 for Fall Commencement at The Merced Theatre. Its Art Kamangar Center hosted ceremonies for the Graduate Division and for the university’s three schools.
After the ceremonies, people poured into the closed-off street, turning it into a sea of blue gowns, hugs and photo opportunities. Veronika Mayoraga of Fresno wore a sash over her gown that read “First Generation,” marking her status as the initial member of her family to pursue a secondary education.
“I’m feeling very emotional,” said Mayoraga, who earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. “It's definitely a huge stepping stone for my family.”
Vanessa Sanchez of Fairfield said it felt “surreal,” after years of study and effort, to hold a master’s degree in quantitative and systems biology.
“Now it’s time to get my doctorate,” she said.
UC Merced’s banner year was a recurring commencement theme. In 2025, the university earned the highest classification for a public research institution, was ranked 25th among public universities by U.S. News and World Report and marked 20 years since the start of undergraduate instruction.
Omar DeGuchy, Ph.D. ’20, keynote speaker for the Graduate Division ceremony, underscored the strength of a UC Merced education. DeGuchy is a scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
“It is often described as the smartest square mile on Earth,” he said.
When he first arrived, the prestigious East Coast degrees of his colleagues felt intimidating. In time, he learned the problems his team tackled didn’t care about the names on a diploma.
“Imposter syndrome is real,” he said, “but you are not an imposter. You’re a Bobcat. Remember that.”
DeGuchy mentors UC Merced interns at the Livermore lab and had a lead role in last summer’s Data Science Challenge there.
“It’s our responsibility to bring about the future generations of student success,” he said.
Another first-generation student gave the keynote speech for undergraduates from the School of Engineering, School of Natural Sciences, and the School of Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts. Dale Johns, president and CEO of Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center Merced, said he came from a town of a few thousand souls and a family that didn’t place importance on a college education.
Years later, his family drove five hours to sit in the stands and watch him graduate from Weber State University.
Noting UC Merced’s 20th anniversary, Johns asked the Bobcats seated before him: “What will your story look like in 20 years? Go forth, illuminate the world with your unique light and make your story an amazing one.”
The graduates also were welcomed to UC Merced's Alumni Association, now more than 21,000 members strong.
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