MiraCosta College celebrated its 2025 Commencement on May 23, honoring 1,678 graduation applicants whose personal journeys and academic accomplishments exemplify the college’s mission of transforming lives and communities through education.
The event highlighted the resilience and achievement of this year’s graduates, ranging in age from 16 to 80 years old, with 29% identifying as first-generation college students and 19% affiliated with the military.
“The Class of 2025 represents the heart of MiraCosta College as they are committed to creating a better future for themselves and their communities,” said Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, MiraCosta College’s superintendent/president. “From overcoming personal hardship to achieving academic excellence, these graduates embody the transformative power of education. Their stories inspire us all and reaffirm our mission to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive. We are proud of their accomplishments and excited for their positive impact on the world.”
Among the many graduates was student commencement speaker Myshell Thomas. Once facing homelessness and substance abuse, Thomas found hope and direction through MiraCosta’s supportive academic environment. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, she earned the Medal of Academic Merit, led the Gender Sexuality Alliance, and became a powerful advocate for LGBTQIA+ students. She will transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a career in social work.
“I severely underestimated my ability,” Myshell said. “Now, my goal is to give back to society and help others through the same systems that once helped me.”
Also featured in the ceremony was Marvin SaintRose, who delivered his original spoken-word piece, “A Dream Within A Dream.” Born in Haiti, SaintRose discovered his passion for writing and service through MiraCosta’s Writing Center. He plans to become an architect focused on designing schools and hospitals in underserved communities.
The 2024-25 academic year also marked a significant period of growth for MiraCosta College, made possible by the support of North County voters. With the passage of Measure MM in 2016, the college celebrated the opening of several new state-of-the-art facilities that will serve students for generations to come.
The new Teresa M. Heyden Hall for Nursing and Allied Health, Learning Commons, Student Services Building, Chemistry & Biotechnology Complex and Media Arts Building were all completed this year.
According to the recently released its Economic Impact Report, conducted by Lightcast, MiraCosta College generated a $648 million economic impact in the region during the 2021-22 fiscal year. The most significant contributor to that impact is the success of students entering or reentering the workforce, generating $469.1 million in annual added income, according to the report.
“Not only does MiraCosta create life-changing opportunities for students, but it also uplifts our entire region,” Cooke said. “What cannot be easily measured is the impact of students who are committed to giving back to their community. We are proud to be a pathway for social and economic advancement,” Cooke said.
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