Jaime Perraza waits for the band to play for the group to walk in. Cuesta College celebrated its 60th Commencement Ceremony on campus May 23, 2025.
David Middlecamp
dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
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Over 1,200 graduates walked across the stage during a commencement ceremony at Cuesta College on Friday afternoon.
The graduation marked the 60th graduating class for the San Luis Obispo County community college, according to a news release.
“This milestone 60th commencement reminds us of the power of education to change lives,” Cuesta College President Jill Stearns said in the release. “Each graduate has embraced opportunities, overcome challenges and grown in ways that will shape their future and community. We are incredibly proud to celebrate this moment with them.”
Cuesta’s Class of 2025 included 1,211 graduates who earned a collective 1,589 degrees. That spanned 717 associate degrees of arts, 230 associate degrees of science, 367 associate degrees of arts for transfer and 275 associate degrees of science for transfer, according to the release.
This year’s graduates range in age from 14 to 75 years old and 599 graduates are from local SLO County high schools, the release said.
At least 400 graduates achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher, while twenty students earned a 4.0 GPA, according to the release.
Friday’s ceremony was hosted at the college’s San Luis Obispo campus.
Arianna Chaves smiles with her family after getting a business administration diploma. Cuesta College celebrated its 60th Commencement Ceremony on campus May 23, 2025. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
From the left Ileen Chenoth stands with her husband Brodie Chenoth as he graduates with a business administration diploma. He is holding daughter Ivy with the diploma and son Raiden. Their niece Jada is next to the mascot Cougie. Cuesta College celebrated its 60th Commencement Ceremony on campus May 23, 2025. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Elyse Smith smiles as her name is announced graduation as a business administration major. Cuesta College celebrated its 60th Commencement Ceremony on campus May 23, 2025. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Wind was snapping the flags as graduates walked to their place at the outdoor ceremony. Cuesta College celebrated its 60th Commencement Ceremony on campus May 23, 2025. David Middlecamp dmiddlecamp@thetribunenews.com
Sadie Dittenber writes about education for The Tribune and is a California Local News Fellow through the UC Berkeley School of Journalism. Dittenber graduated from The College of Idaho with a degree in international political economy.
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