South Mountain Community College held the 2026 Commencement Ceremony on May 15 at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix to celebrate the accomplishments of the college’s Class of 2026.
There were 570 students who collectively earned 1,036 degrees and certificates of completion, which included 133 bachelor’s degrees awarded. It was the biggest graduating class yet, as well as the largest cohort from the SMCC bachelor's degree program in Behavioral Sciences.
Nearly 300 students participated in the ceremony, where they were recognized by SMCC President Dr. Veronica Hipolito in the conferring of the degrees.
Maricopa County Community College District board member Dr. Tom Nerini was also present to give the MCCCD governing board member address, while SMCC faculty member Dr. Jennifer Avila gave the faculty address.
Two students were acknowledged as this year’s valedictorians by SMCC Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kristina Scott for exemplifying academic excellence. Camryn Cox was selected as valedictorian for the bachelor’s degree program and Lirio Delgado Diaz was selected as valedictorian for the associate degree program.
SMCC Vice President of Administrative Services Ken Guerrero introduced Xiclary Chavez as the student governance officer who also addressed the audience.
SMCC Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Alice Murillo spoke in acknowledgement of the college’s honors students, who were recognized for their completion of designated honors courses while maintaining a high GPA.
The memorable evening brought together faculty, staff and community members to commemorate each student's educational journey at SMCC and the resilience and determination it took to achieve such a milestone.
  |
  |
|