San Juan College (SJC) will hold graduation ceremonies for its students, as well as those who have earned degrees from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU), University of New Mexico (UNM), and Western New Mexico University (WNMU) beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, May 16, in the Learning Commons Plaza.
Graduation Ceremony
Information for family members and guests attending the San Juan College 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
May 16th at 9 a.m. | Learning Commons Plaza
View Class of 2026 Graduation Program
View 2026 Graduation Live Stream
Parking and Accessibility
Family members and guests may access campus from College Blvd. and park near the Learning Commons Plaza.
- A one-way ADA drop-off zone is located on the second exit off the roundabout for those using the main entrance.
- Golf carts will roam the parking lots to assist those with limited mobility to the seating area in the Learning Commons Plaza.
- Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an outdoor ceremony, so guests are encouraged to dress for the weather, bring sun protection, and water.
During the Ceremony
- A professional photographer is capturing all graduates as they cross the stage.
- Photo ordering information will be shared in the Diploma Tube handed to each graduate as they cross the stage.
- Please do not release balloons during or after the ceremony.
Food and Bookstore
- Mary’s Kitchen will be open during the ceremony, selling drinks and snacks from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m.
- Breakfast burritos available from 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
- Snacks and beverages available from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
- A mobile concession stand will also be available underneath the library.
- The San Juan College Bookstore will be open from 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Diploma frames, SJC gifts, Suns gear, alumni items, and Blaze merchandise available.
- A mobile location will also be available underneath the library.
Ceremony Highlights
Dale Armstrong will give the guest keynote address. San Juan College President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass will preside over the ceremonies.
Graduation will recognize over 1,922 San Juan College graduates earning associate degrees and certificates, along with over 137 graduates earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from NMHU, UNM, and WNMU.
San Juan College Board of Trustees will award diplomas and certificates to the students. Faculty members serving as grand marshals are John Detrick and Hannah Rankin.
Gayle Dean, executive director of the San Juan College Foundation, will award the Foundation’s Allison Award for Excellence to an outstanding faculty member. Executive Vice President Edward DesPlas will recognize this year’s honors students.
Reception
Following the ceremony, a reception will be held on the west lawn of the Henderson Fine Arts Center. Look for individual school flags and tents to find your graduate’s area.
