MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — Skagit Valley College’s Centennial Class of 2026 will walk across the stage for their diplomas, degrees, and certificates this week.
SVC is proudly celebrating the 99th graduating class at its three ceremonies recognizing graduates whose accomplishments reflect the college's century-long commitment to student success, educational opportunity, and community impact.
The first ceremony for the Whidbey Island campus graduates is at Oak Harbor High School on June 17 and two ceremonies for the Mount Vernon campus graduates is in the Dave DuVall Pavilion on June 18. The ceremonies will also be livestreamed and available on the SVC website.
As SVC marks its 100th anniversary, this year's graduates join a legacy of Cardinal alumni who have helped shape the region and beyond through their leadership, service, and professional contributions.
The Centennial Class of 2026 includes students from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and educational pathways. This year, the college will award 1,130 degrees, certificates, and diplomas, including 772 academic degrees and 358 professional-technical degrees and certificates.
"Commencement is one of the most meaningful traditions at Skagit Valley College because it celebrates the determination, resilience, and achievements of our students," said Dr. Thomas Keegan, president of SVC. "As we honor the Centennial Class of 2026, we also celebrate the generations of students who have come before them and the bright future these graduates will help create for our communities."
At the Mount Vernon ceremony, the prelude music will be presented by the Bellingham Pipe Band and the Skagit Community Band. Meanwhile, at the Whidbey Island ceremony, the Bellingham Pipe Band will provide the prelude music. The SVC Showcase Singers will be singing the National Anthem at both ceremonies.
Ashley Zamora, president of the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College (ASSVC) on the Mount Vernon campus, will serve as the student speaker for the Mount Vernon commencement ceremonies. A first-generation college student and Burlington-Edison High School graduate, Zamora returned to college after working in the dental field and quickly became involved in student leadership and advocacy.
In addition to serving on the Student Program Board for two years, Zamora was recently recognized with the ASSVC Governance Award and the Lewis Award, the Mount Vernon Campus Student of the Year honor. She plans to study abroad before pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science and a career in public service.
Maria ‘MJ’ Gallegos, president of the Associated Students of Skagit Valley College on the Whidbey Island Campus, will serve as the student speaker for the Whidbey Island commencement ceremony. During the past two years, Gallegos has provided thoughtful, community-focused leadership through student government and as president of the Tea and Tough Topics Club.
Known for their ability to facilitate meaningful dialogue, connect people across perspectives, and advocate for equitable solutions, Gallegos has helped foster a more engaged and inclusive campus community. Following graduation, Gallegos plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor's degree in public policy and ultimately a career as an immigration attorney.
Among this year's graduates are 78 Running Start students who are simultaneously earning their high school diplomas and college degrees, demonstrating the transformative opportunities available through dual-credit programs. The college will also award 74 high school diplomas.
Academic excellence will be recognized through the awarding of 41 President's Medals, one of the college's highest student honors. To qualify, students must be graduating, maintain a minimum 3.9 grade point average in all college-level coursework, and attend Skagit Valley College for at least three quarters.
The Class of 2026 also includes 40 graduates earning bachelor's degrees, reflecting the continued growth of SVC's bachelor's degree programs. This year marks a historic milestone as the college celebrates the first graduating class of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Manufacturing and Design, preparing students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering-related fields.
Student success stories are reflected throughout the graduating class. Among this year's graduates, 573 are first-generation college students, representing individuals who are the first in their families to earn a college credential.
The college will also celebrate the achievements of 14 international students from Brazil, Gambia, Japan, Kenya, The Netherlands, Spain, Turkmenistan, the United Kingdom, and Zambia, highlighting the global perspectives that enrich the SVC community.
Graduates range in age from 15 to 72, demonstrating that higher education can create opportunities at every stage of life.
Gallegos, Whidbey Island campus graduate, is receiving the Yates Award for showing outstanding leadership, community service, and academic achievement.
Zamora is receiving the Lewis Award which is awarded to the overall outstanding graduating student from the Mount Vernon campus.
SVC awarded the President’s Medal to 42 students for having all A or A- grades and attending SVC for at least three quarters: Katya Aeris, Myron Baydak, Garrett Bickley, Krista Biggs, Zara Bradley, Crystal Britt, Allie Cochran, Daniel Davis, Sarah Day, Yuridiana Ronces Delgado, Kay Douglas, Noah Ellis, Robert Ellis, Joy Evans, Dulce Fierro Flores, Lilly Ford, Mikayla Gingerich, Daria Gonchar, Maria Gonchar, Roxanne Grant, Amelia Guffie, Alexis Gurr, Anson Gustafson, Isla Hollingsworth, Emma Johnson, Casey Johnston, Mikaela Labrador, Reagan Lee, Peyton Lucero, Cristina Mane, Myles Miller, Sofia Ortiz, Emelyn Payne, Oksana Pokrova, April Pomeroy, Marcella Roche, Allison Schimming, Sophia Shane, Weston Soenke, Kael Stapleton, Isabella Tercero, and Matthew Uranga..
Family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community supporters are invited to join in celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2026. Ceremony information, schedules, parking details, and livestream information are available at skagit.edu/commencement.
Media Contact Info
Marisa Pierce, Executive Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications
360.416.7957
marisa.pierce@skagit.edu