More than 2,800 Students Graduate from Chaffey College

Black robes, tassels, sashes and smiles filled Toyota Arena in Ontario on May 22 as Chaffey College celebrated the completion of academic programs for more than 2,800 students.

Chaffey College’s class of 2025 earned about 3,800 degrees and certificates. The class includes 19 valedictorians and 40 high school students graduating from Chaffey through the dual enrollment program.

“Panthers, as you embark on a new chapter in your lives, remember the lessons you have learned,” said Chaffey College Superintendent/President Henry D. Shannon. “Remember the relationships you have forged. Remember the moments that shaped you into the person you have become today.”

Filmmaker Moisés Zamora shared his inspirational story of rising to success as the executive producer and co-showrunner of the global hit “Selena: The Series” on Netflix. He expressed the importance of resilience, community and joy.

“Look at someone nearby. Maybe you don’t know them. Maybe you do. But today you share a truth. You both made it. That matters. That’s community. That’s the garment of destiny stitched together with struggle, with love, with grit,” he said.

Class speaker Ariel Galindo, a biology and psychology major who is transferring to UC Riverside, spoke of his own journey of coming to America from Guatemala. Galindo faced bullying and mental health challenges as a child, but worked through his adversities to make it to graduation.

“It took me almost two decades to have the courage to continue my education,” Galindo said. “Yet, here I am – not just as a graduate, but as proof that dreams can become reality.”

The class of 2025’s average GPA was 3.27. The two oldest graduates were 74-years-old, while the five youngest were 16. Students earned nearly 2,500 associate’s degrees and more than 1,300 certificates. The top degree earned by graduates was business administration for transfer, while the most popular certificate was for Cal State University general education.