Santa Clarita Celebrates Graduates at College of the Canyons Commencement

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

Graduates at the College of the Canyons commencement ceremony enjoying a moment of celebration.

News Summary

The College of the Canyons is set to honor its graduating class during the upcoming 56th annual commencement ceremony at Cougar Stadium. With over 2,100 graduates across various majors, the event is highlighted by keynote speaker Chris Schauble. The ceremony will recognize academic achievements, including honors graduates and veterans, while also inviting community participation. Gates open early, and the event will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Santa Clarita to Celebrate Graduates at College of the Canyons 56th Annual Commencement Ceremony

The College of the Canyons (COC) is preparing to honor its graduating class of 2025 during the highly anticipated 56th annual commencement ceremony on Friday, June 6, at Cougar Stadium on the Valencia campus. This event recognizes the achievements and perseverance of a diverse group of students, featuring Chris Schauble, co-anchor of the KTLA Morning News, as the keynote speaker for this milestone event.

A total of 2,103 students have petitioned for graduation this year, showcasing their academic efforts across 106 different majors. The most popular field of study among graduates is business administration, with 260 graduates, closely followed by psychology, which boasts 257 graduates. Additionally, there are a variety of graduates pursuing liberal arts and sciences tracks, contributing to the rich educational landscape at COC.

A notable 827 students will graduate with two or more degrees, while 880 students will graduate with honors, having achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher. This group includes 127 valedictorians who earned the prestigious distinction of maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. The overall average GPA for the graduating class stands at 3.33, reflecting the hard work and dedication of students throughout their academic journeys.

The average age of a COC graduate is 24 years old, highlighting the institution’s appeal to a younger demographic. However, the graduating class also includes a diverse age range, with the oldest graduate being Debra Denise Morth, who is 69 years old. There are five graduates over the age of 60, and interestingly, the youngest graduates are 40 students who are just 17 years old.

The commencement ceremony will also honor the contributions of veteran graduates, with 63 veterans participating in this year’s ceremony, along with 74 graduates from the MESA program designed to support students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Additionally, 65.1% of graduates completed at least one course at the Canyon Country campus, reflecting the impact of both campuses in the lives of these students.

The event will also celebrate student-athletes, with more than 110 COC student-athletes graduating and transferring to various four-year universities. These students have maintained an average GPA of 3.38 as they balance their academic and athletic commitments. Graduates will go on to prestigious institutions, including Stanford University and multiple schools within the University of California system, as well as Arizona State University, each contributing to the students’ future academic and professional endeavors.

Community members are invited to join in the celebration as the gates to Cougar Stadium will open at 5 p.m., with the ceremony officially beginning at 6 p.m.. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early due to anticipated high attendance. For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will be livestreamed, enabling friends and family to witness this significant milestone in the lives of these graduates.

The commencement ceremony not only marks the culmination of years of hard work and commitment but also serves as an important community event, bringing together families, friends, and faculty in a celebratory atmosphere dedicated to honoring academic achievements.