Commencement

UC Merced Graduates Encouraged to Embrace Every Moment

May 19, 2025

With cheers, hugs and leis, more than 1,500 UC Merced graduates received a celebratory sendoff to their bright futures as a prominent keynote speaker told them to make the most of the here and now. Hundreds of families and friends joined the graduates in three days of commencement ceremonies at...

UC Merced Returns to In-person Commencement

For the first time since spring 2019, UC Merced will honor the achievements of spring graduates with a traditional in-person commencement weekend this month. “We are proud of all these young...

Fall Commencement Speaker Pursues Goal to Transform Education

Na’ilah Suad Nasir has adjusted to Chicago winters as much as a native Californian can. She owns a snow shovel and knows how to use it. She purchased a big, warm coat. “They say there...

UC Merced will honor the accomplishments of the fall 2021 graduates with a traditional in-person commencement.

UC Merced Announces Return of In-person Commencement

After two years of virtual celebrations, UC Merced will honor the accomplishments of the fall 2021 graduates with a traditional in-person commencement this Saturday. In addition, the campus is...

University of California Health Leader to Give Commencement Keynote

In Dr. Carrie L. Byington, the novel coronavirus met a formidable foe. As an expert in infectious disease, Byington has been uniquely suited to use her role as executive vice president and head of...

In addition to the virtual commencement this year, graduates had the option to take part in in-person activities.

Class of 2021 Takes Part in In-person Activities Followed by Virtual Commencement

The pandemic has changed many aspects of life, but UC Merced Bobcats demonstrated their ability to overcome life's unexpected curveballs during an academic year unlike any other. To ensure...

Undergraduate Experience: Keanu Velasquez

Name: Keanu Velasquez Major: Sociology Major and Psychology Minor Year: Graduating May 2021, School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts Commencement Student Speaker Hometown: San...

Undergraduate Experience: Sean Nguyen

Name: Sean Nguyen Year: Graduating May 2021, School of Natural Sciences Commencement Student Speaker Major: Chemistry Hometown: San Jose What clubs or organizations were you part of at UC...

Undergraduate Experience: Habibatu Mboka

Name: Habibatu Mboka Year: Graduating May 2021, School of Engineering Commencement Student Speaker Major: Computer Science and Engineering Hometown: Turlock What clubs or...

UC Merced's three schools will have their own fall commencement ceremonies broadcast simultaneously, complete with closed captioning in English and Spanish.

Virtual Fall Commencement Customized for Grads

UC Merced will host its second virtual ceremony for the Fall 2020 Commencement on Dec. 19, with a host of changes meant to confer upon students the distinct importance of the achievement. New this...