Commencement 2026
Friday May 15 , 2026
Commencement represents an exciting, celebratory conclusion to a successful academic career at Woodland Community College. The educational success that the award of an Associate degree represents demonstrates considerable sacrifice, hard work, and commitment.
Mark your calendars
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, April 15 | Deadline to Apply for Spring 2026 Graduation (Apply via Self-Service) |
| Tuesday, April 29-Thursday, May 1 | Grad Week |
|
Friday, May 8 6:00pm |
Si Se Puede Graduation (Woodland Campus) |
|
Friday, May 15 11:00am |
Graduate Brunch (Woodland Campus) |
|
Friday, May 15 12:00pm |
Graduation Rehearsal (Woodland Campus) |
|
Friday, May 15 6:00pm |
Woodland Community College 18th Annual Commencement Ceremony Lake County Campus 42nd Annual Commencement Ceremony |
WCC Class of 2026 Student Speakers -
2026 ASWCC President, Esmeralda Almejo
Esmerald Almejo was born and raised in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, where she grew up surrounded by family, culture, and a deep sense of community. At the age of nine, she moved to the United States, facing the challenges of adapting to a new language, unfamiliar traditions, and a different way of life. Those early experiences shaped her determination, empathy, and passion for leadership.
Today, Esmerald serves as the Student Body President at Woodland Community College, a role she carries with immense gratitude and responsibility. She is deeply committed to representing and advocating for her peers, particularly students from immigrant and first-generation backgrounds.
In addition to her role at WCC, Esmerald serves as the official delegate for the Student Senate for California Community Colleges (SSCCC), where she works to uplift student voices at the statewide level. Her lived experiences continue to inspire her commitment to making community colleges more accessible, supportive, and empowering for all students.
Academically, Esmerald is majoring in International Business with a focus on consulting, driven by her passion for global problem-solving and cross-cultural understanding. Looking ahead, she hopes to attend law school and become an immigration lawyer, using her own journey to help others navigate the immigration process with dignity and support. She also aspires to one day open a firm specializing in immigration services to give back to the communities that have shaped her.
Through every role she holds, Esmerald remains proud of her peers at Woodland Community College. She celebrates their achievements, admires their perseverance, and believes strongly in their potential. Her greatest hope is that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, is empowered to achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality.
2026 Valedictorian, Preet Kamal Kaur
Bio InformPreet Kamal Kaur was born in Punjab, India, and moved to California with her parents at the age of 15. Later that same year, she relocated to Davis to live with her aunt, navigating a major life transition while adjusting to a new environment and education system. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to build a better future through education and personal growth.
Motivated by her experiences and a strong sense of responsibility toward her family, Preet enrolled at Woodland Community College to pursue her academic goals in nursing. Throughout her journey, she demonstrated resilience, independence, and a deep commitment to her studies while balancing work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her time in college was shaped by perseverance, meaningful connections with professors and peers, and active use of campus resources.
Preet plans to continue her education at California State University, Sacramento, where she will pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is passionate about providing compassionate care and making a difference in patients’ lives, especially those in vulnerable situations. Through her journey, she hopes to inspire others from similar backgrounds to overcome obstacles, pursue higher education, and believe in their ability to succeed.ation Coming Soon!