Celebrating 90 Years, Sierra College Sees Record-Breaking Graduating Class

May 22, 2026

On Friday, May 22, Sierra College students, families, faculty, administrators, and staff gathered on the Rocklin campus football stadium to celebrate the largest graduating class in its 90-year history.

A record-breaking 3,554 students were awarded degrees and certificates, including 1,000 associate degrees for university transfer, an additional 1,700 associate degrees, and more than 800 program certificates. 

Among the historic graduating class were 1,790 first-generation college degree earners, 177 veterans, and 28 Guardian Scholars (former foster youth). Remarkably, 682 graduates started earning college credit while still in high school through Sierra’s Dual Enrollment program, which is the fourth largest in California. Graduates hailed from approximately 170 different cities. 

“Our students come from all backgrounds and stages of life, exemplified by the fact that our youngest graduate this year is 16 years old, and our oldest is 75 years young,” said Superintendent/President Willy Duncan. “We are so honored to serve as our community’s college, committed to elevating our region and helping everyone meet their goals, whether that is continuing their education, preparing for a first or next career, or pursuing a personal ambition for higher learning. Congratulations to our graduates. We celebrate your accomplishments and remain committed to supporting your continued success in the years ahead.”    

Commencements were also held at Sierra College’s Tahoe-Truckee and Nevada County Campuses. The Tahoe-Truckee campus celebrated 30 graduates and the Nevada County Campus – in its 30th year of operation – celebrated 105 gradates.

About Sierra College 

Sierra College is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3,200 square miles of Northern California with campuses in Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four-year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at www.sierracollege.edu.    

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