Class of 2023

Learn more about the graduates crossing the stage as part of San Diego City College’s Class of 2023.

Read also about the San Diego City College celebrating AAPI students in a historic graduation ceremony, along with the 2nd Lavendard Graduation, Rite of Passage and Chicano Latina Graduation.

Want to read the complete digital edition? Click here.

Former community college students share their transfer success stories

Transferring can be a complicated process, here's some advice from students who have done it successfully

Bailey Kohnen, Multimedia Journalist • November 20, 2023

Transferring can be a complicated process, here's some advice from students who have done it successfully

Read Story

City College students celebrated for their struggles, triumphs at Chicano Latina Graduation

Ceremony highlighted students’ Chicanx heritage, achievements and support systems on their way to four-year universities

Marco Guajardo, Multimedia Journalist • May 25, 2023

Families and supporters honored the City graduates for their dedication and perseverance within the context of what it means to be Chicanx

Read Story

Fine art graduate returns to City after 30 years motivated by personal tragedy to realize lifelong dream

Following in his late daughter's footsteps in an attempt to heal, Nilo Ondevilla found human connection, mentorship and a future beyond his imagination

Kathryn Gray, Editor-in-Chief • May 25, 2023

Following in his late daughter's footsteps in an attempt to heal, Nilo Ondevilla found human connection, mentorship and a future beyond his imagination

Read Story

City College graduate advocates for childhood literacy, mental health

Kelley Westley’s passion for helping others translates into her leadership role, future goals

Sean Monney, Multimedia Journalist • May 25, 2023

Kelley Westley recalled coming home from school as a child and not being able to turn to her parents for help with homework. She stayed late at school to get the help she needed. Today, Westley is graduating from San Diego City College with a degree in early childhood education.

Read Story

City College honors LGBTQ+ graduates at second Lavender graduation

LGBTQ+ community members stand proud as they receive degrees, certificates at annual ceremony

Shamere Grimes, Multimedia Reporter • May 24, 2023

The Lavender Graduation Ceremony was created by Dr. Ronni Sanlo, a Jewish lesbian, who was denied the opportunity to attend the graduations of her biological children because of her sexuality. Encouraged by the Dean of Students at the University of Michigan, Sanlo designed the first Lavender Graduation Ceremony in 1995, with just three graduates.

Read Story

City College graduate aims for career in the space industry

MESA Program student with a love for science pursues aerospace engineering

Shamere Grimes, Multimedia Journalist • May 24, 2023

Shalayah-Naomi Webb will be transferring to San Diego State University to work on a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Read Story

Rite of Passage ceremony celebrates the excellence of Black graduates

Black students gather to recognize their achievements in the face of adversity

Luke Bradbury, Multimedia Journalist • May 23, 2023

City College held the Rite of Passage Celebration, a ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of graduating Black students across the San Diego Community College District.

Read Story

GALLERY: City College students decorate caps in advance of commencement

A sunny day in Gorton Quad was the perfect backdrop for craft projects

Nathaly Alvizures, Contributor • May 23, 2023

Approximately 30 students, along with family members and campus administrators, gathered around tables in Gorton Quad to decorate their graduation caps in advance of semester-ending commencement events.

Read Story

ASG president focuses on bringing City College campus back to life

Diego Bethea looks forward to second term as student government president

Daniel Lasker, Multimedia Journalist • May 22, 2023

With one year as ASG president under his belt, Bethea will return in the fall in the same role again, advancing toward a B.A. in business administration and changing the campus culture for the better.

Read Story

New SDCCD acting chancellor champions public service, equity

A community college graduate himself, Greg Smith understands what District students are going through

Marco Guajardo, Multimedia Journalist • May 19, 2023

On his road to SDCCD, Greg Smith purposefully pieces culturally significant lessons together into practice. They now define the equity-focused goals, values, and leadership style he brings to the district as acting chancellor.

Read Story

City College celebrates AAPI students in historic ceremony (with gallery)

First AAPI-themed graduation celebration held on May 15

Joel Nevarez, Sports Editor • May 18, 2023

Students along with their loved ones and members of the San Diego City College community gathered for the campus’ first-ever Asian American Pacific Islander graduation celebration at the A building patio on May 15.

Read Story