Campus Updates from Dr. Avila
Dear Gavilan Community,
Commencement last week was a great source of pride for Gavilan College. We had a record-breaking graduating class of 2,062 students earning degrees and certificates.
This is the largest number of graduates from our college in its entire history. Commencement was an extraordinary day. It wasn't just about the sheer number of graduates; it was also that these students finished what they set out to do, families were able to see the hard work of their loved ones recognized, and most importantly, our college community came together to celebrate the work we do.
An extraordinary day like this doesn't happen because of a single office, program, or event. It succeeds because of the collective dedication of our entire campus community. From our faculty and classified professionals to our administrators and student employees, everyone plays a vital role in lifting our students up throughout the academic year.
While some of the contributions made toward graduation are highly visible, many go unseen. These victories happen every day in our classrooms, during personalized counseling sessions, through vital financial aid guidance, and in tutoring centers. It’s found in the thousands of daily moments where you answer a question, offer encouragement, and help a student stay the course.
Thank you to everyone who made this historic year such a massive success. The graduates who crossed the stage last week are incredibly motivated and determined individuals, but they didn't get here alone. They reached this milestone because they had all of you standing behind them.
With sincere gratitude,
Dr. Pedro Avila
Luis Valdez Meet and Greet - American Pachuco Screening
Gavilan College was proud to welcome Luis Valdez to campus for a special evening celebrating his work, his legacy, and his lasting connection to our region.
The event brought together students, employees, community members, and supporters for a meaningful celebration of storytelling, culture, and the arts. It was also a reminder of the role Gavilan plays as a gathering place for conversations that matter to our community.
Thank you to Anna, Jennifer, and the Gavilan College Foundation for their work in helping bring this event to life. I also want to thank Michelle Manrubia, our custodial team, our Theater Technical Coordinator Izzy Qusitian, and our Film Department for their important roles in supporting the event and helping make the evening a success.
Please follow this link to watch GavTV's coverage of the event: GavTV - Luis Valdez & American Pachuco
Community Garden Ground Breaking
Gavilan College celebrated the groundbreaking for our new community garden, a project that will create another hands-on learning space for students and a welcoming place for connection on campus.
It was clear from the students in attendance that there is real excitement about what the garden can become.
The garden is a strong example of the kind of work that makes our campus feel alive: practical, student-centered, and rooted in community.
Staff Recognition Event
We also had the opportunity to celebrate colleagues at this year’s Staff Recognition event.
The event honored employees who reached important service milestones with the district, as well as retirees whose work has made a lasting difference at Gavilan College.
It was well organized, thoughtful, and genuinely fun.
Thank you to Lucy and the organizing committee for putting together an event that gave us time to recognize the people who keep this college moving every day. Congratulations again to all of this year’s honorees.
Mesa Graduation
This month, Gavilan College celebrated students at the MESA graduation ceremony. The event recognized students for their academic work, persistence, and preparation for the next steps in their education and careers.
Thank you to Dean Jen Nari and the MESA team for organizing a thoughtful event and creating a meaningful opportunity to recognize students and their accomplishments.
Puente Graduation
Gavilan College’s graduation celebration season began in May with the Puente Program Celebration.
The event honored more than 20 students, including students moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 of the program and students preparing to graduate and transfer from Gavilan College. Faculty, staff, mentors, and supporters gathered to recognize their progress and the relationships that help make Puente such a meaningful part of the student experience.
Puente’s model of instruction, counseling, and mentoring helps students build confidence, stay connected, and prepare for transfer.
Congratulations to the students who were recognized, and thank you to everyone who supports the program and its students.
Support Programs Graduation
On May 14, Gavilan College’s support programs recognized 159 graduates who participated in EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, NextUP, Fresh Success, and Higher Aspirations.
This celebration was an important moment for students who have worked hard to reach graduation while balancing responsibilities inside and outside the classroom. Congratulations to the graduates, and thank you to the support program teams who helped them navigate their path to completion.
Community and College Engagement
This month included several opportunities to connect with students, families, employees, and community partners across the district. Trustee Cortez and I joined a leadership panel hosted by Scott Sandler for his Puente class, and Scott and I also held a faculty luncheon.
I met with Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner to continue strengthening district relationships, and I participated in “Cafecito con Consejeros,” hosted by Gilroy Unified counselors for parents and families.
These conversations help keep Gavilan College connected to the students, schools, families, and community organizations we serve.
I was honored to attend the Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Spice of Life event and grateful to everyone from Gavilan who came out to show support. It was a meaningful evening, and my mother may have been the most popular person at our table.
Kind Regards,
Dr. Pedro Avila
Superintendent/President
5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard | Gilroy, CA 95020
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