Community Colleges of Ventura County Celebrate Class of 2024
The Californer/10280899

CAMARILLO, Calif. - Californer -- Amid triumphant applause and proud cheers , the Community Colleges of Ventura County honored 5,515 graduates this week. The 2024 Commencement ceremonies were held at Oxnard College on May 16 and Moorpark and Ventura colleges on May 17, celebrating all the hard work and determination shown by the graduating class of 2024.

This year, the class of 2024 proudly earned a total of 8,147 associate degrees and 4,358 certificates. Reflecting the colleges' emphasis on comprehensive education and versatility, many of this year's students are graduating with multiple degrees and certificates, reflecting their diverse set of skills and knowledge as they embark on their professional journeys or continue their studies at four-year institutions.

More on The Californer

• City of Long Beach Extends Extreme Heat Alert, Advises Residents to Take Precautions Against Heat
• Health4Peace Announces Main Honorees for 5th Annual Fundraising Gala on October 25, 2026
• You Are Already Changing the World: How Personal Healing Sparks Collective Change
• IEI Edge Computing Automates Environmental Control for EU Greenhouse
• Guardian Data Opens 42,000-Square-Foot Moonachie Facility, Doubling New Jersey Capacity

"As we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of this year's graduates, I am immensely proud of each and every student," said Chancellor Rick MacLennan. "You have overcome countless challenges, juggled responsibilities, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to your studies. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of our graduates. Go forth, make your mark on the world! Your success is our success!"

"I am proud when I hear community members tell me their child, or their grandchild, or they themselves graduated from one of our three excellent community colleges and this experience prepared them for their personal and professional successes," said Bernardo M. Perez, Board Chair. "Our graduates will now be the face of success in the fields of nursing, dental hygiene, biotechnology, public safety, and many other fields of endeavor. I wish them all continued success."

More on The Californer

• HVAC Expert Advises Residents Prepare for Super El Niño with Backup Power & AC Protection
• Solano Home Prices Fall as Sales Rise—Then Mortgage Rates Add a Plot Twist
• California's economy continues to dominate — topping $4.5 T in economic output, and remains the world's fourth largest economy
• Grant Support from San Diego Foundation Expands Mending Matters' School-Based Mental Health Services
• Why Is Haitian Chocolate So Special?

After the ceremonies, the college presidents reflected on the promising paths that lie ahead for their graduates:

"Today we honor the individual achievements of our graduates and also the collective growth and accomplishments of our community," said Julius Sokenu, president of Moorpark College. "It is this spirit of shared progress that serves as the foundation of the Community College mission—to bring the promise and opportunity of education to anyone with a hunger for knowledge and the dream of a brighter future."

"We are proud of the achievements of the class of 2024, many of whom have overcome significant personal and economic challenges to arrive at this moment of celebration," shared Oscar Cobian, interim president of Oxnard College. "We are grateful to have played a part in their journey to new careers and four-year universities across the nation."

"This graduation holds a special place in my heart, as it marks my final graduation as president," said Kim Hoffmans, president of Ventura College. "I encourage our 2024 graduates to embrace their next chapter fearlessly and to forge ahead with unwavering determination. Congratulations, Class of 2024!"