Foreword

Dear Merced College Colleagues,

Each year, graduation offers us a front-row seat to the power of transformation. At Merced College, that transformation looks different for every student—but the common thread is perseverance, growth, and the promise of what comes next.

In this month’s issue of the Blue Devil’s Advocate, we revisit some of the extraordinary journeys that led our graduates to this year’s commencement stage. These are stories of second chances and new beginnings. Stories of service—to country, to family, to community. Stories of support systems, and of dreams realized against steep odds.

They are also powerful reflections of our college’s ongoing commitment to equity. Our Rising Scholars are overcoming the impacts of incarceration and systemic barriers with the support of faculty and classified professionals who see their potential—not their past.

Likewise, our students who are military veterans have found belonging and purpose through the support and resources available in the 1st Lt. Peter J. Gallo Veterans Resource Center. And students with disabilities have thrived in environments that recognize their strengths and meet them with compassion and resources. These are not just individual success stories; they are examples of what’s possible when institutions lean into access, inclusion, and accountability.

Family, too, is a strong throughline in this issue. Whether it’s a father and son navigating college together, graduates becoming role models for their children, or students building new futures for their families, these stories remind us that education is rarely a solitary journey. It ripples outward—impacting households, neighborhoods, and entire communities.

These graduates remind us that success doesn’t look just one way. At Merced College in particular, success comes in many forms—shaped by resilience, fueled by hope, and supported by a community that believes in the potential of every learner.

We are proud of them, and we are proud to share their stories with you.