KENTFIELD / NOVATO, CA—College of Marin’s (COM) 99th Commencement Exercises will take place on Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. at Pieper Field, 700 College Avenue, Kentfield. Of the approximately 505 students receiving degrees and certificates this year, over 235 will participate in the formal ceremony. The College will be awarding 302 associate of arts degrees, 200 associate of science degrees, and 163 certificates. Some students have earned more than one degree or certificate.
"College of Marin was founded on a belief that a world-class education should belong to everyone, not just the fortunate few," said Superintendent/President Dr. Jonathan Eldridge. "Ninety-nine graduating classes later, that is still our mission. Every student who has earned their degree or certificate here is out there making good on that promise from a century ago."
The Commencement and Transfer Recognition Ceremony will be opened by Academic Senate President Maria Coulson. Dr. Eldridge will welcome graduates, attendees, and transfer students, followed by remarks from Board of Trustees President Wanden P. Treanor. Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Learning and Success Dr. Dana Emerson will introduce the student speakers. Following remarks from the speakers, Dr. Eldridge will confer the degrees and certificates, and the ceremony will be closed by Maria Coulson. The Class of 2026 will exit the field to a recording of Mariners’ March, composed by COM Music Professor James Stopher, D.M.A., performed by the COM Symphonic Wind Ensemble, and directed by Trevor Björklund, Ph.D.
About the Student Speakers
ADRIAN ARRONA-GARCIA
Adrian Arrona-Garcia is a Mexican-born, first generation, returning student who is majoring in psychology and obtaining an associate’s degree from College of Marin (COM). After facing many adversities, he always had dreams of pursuing a higher education.
COM became the foundation of his academic journey after working for years after high school and prioritizing his family’s financial needs. Adrian developed strong relationships with COM counselors, mentors, professors, and peers, which allowed him to become as successful as he could be during his time here. At COM, Adrian discovered his passion for community organizing, mental health, self-empowerment, and mentorship. He volunteered over 300 hours, got selected for multiple fellowships, earned high honors every semester, earned a spot in both Alpha Gamma Sigma and Phi Theta Kappa honor societies at COM, shared his story as a keynote speaker at the Centennial Gala, and got accepted into an Ivy League School and some of the top universities in the country. He will be continuing his education next semester at a four year university where he aspires to become a therapist and work with athletes and first-generation and underrepresented students.
THAO ANH NGUYEN MAI
Thao Anh, known as Theodora or Teddy, is a psychology student at College of Marin (COM). Born and raised in Vietnam, she came to the United States with her mother after studying law in her home country, bringing with her a deep commitment to understanding people and the struggles they carry.
Since enrolling at COM in 2024, she has maintained a 4.0 GPA, served as Vice President of Heritage of Asia and the Pacific (HAP), mentored fellow students through the MAPS program, and earned membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
This fall, Anh will transfer to UC Berkeley to continue her studies in psychology. Her long-term goals include becoming a psychiatrist and pursuing research and teaching, driven by a belief that a life well-lived is one that leaves something meaningful behind.
Friday, May 22, 2026
6 PM — 8 PM / PDT
College of Marin Pieper Field (in person)
700 College Ave
Kentfield, CA 94904
Kentfield Campus Map | Pieper Field Map
Additional information about the ceremony is at marin.edu/commencement.