Get Ready to Graduate!
Sunday, June 29, 2025
Santa Clara Convention Center
De Anza will hold its 58th annual commencement on Sunday, June 29, beginning at 3 p.m. in the Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, California.
Meet This Year's Grad Speaker!
The first time Aurelio Cardenas came to De Anza, he didn’t think he belonged in college. He’d been incarcerated as
a teenager and young man, before an injury from gun violence left him partially paralyzed in his early 20s. A decade later, he’s graduating with
a History degree and will transfer to the University of California, Santa Cruz, after winning the prestigious Pister Leadership Award, which provides $20,000 for college expenses.
Bookmark this webpage and check back for the latest updates – including more stories about some of this year's amazing graduates, plus important tips and reminders.
Important Deadlines
This Monday, June 23, is the last day to submit a photo and message for the optional Graduation Slideshow.- Thursday, June 26, is the last day to buy graduation regalia in person at the campus Bookstore. (Not all sizes may be available. The deadline has passed to order online and have items shipped in time for graduation.)
- Friday, June 27, is the last day to apply for your degree in order to have it awarded for spring quarter. (There is no deadline to participate in the ceremony, but you must have filed by June 16 in order to have your name listed in the printed souvenir program.)
You Can Also
- Send digital Congrats Cards to your favorite grad, or the entire class of 2025 – any time this month
- Get more tips on how to join the celebration – and what to expect on the big day!
The graduation celebration is open to all students who are earning an associate degree (A.A., A.S., A.A.-T or A.S.-T) during the 2024-25 academic year, including the 2025 summer session.
- Plan to arrive early: Doors will open at 1 p.m.
- After the ceremony, you're welcome to take photos in the Red Carpet area with Roary the Mountain Lion and other fun props.
Faculty and Staff Information
Faculty, staff and administrators who plan to attend the graduation event (not as volunteers) should complete the Employee RSVP form so we'll know you are planning to attend.
Purchase Your Grad Regalia Now
The deadline has passed to order graduation gear online and have it delivered in time
for the big day.
- You can still purchase items in person at the Bookstore in the RSS Building up to Thursday, June 26, but some items or sizes may not be in stock.
If you need financial assistance to cover the cost of your graduation cap and gown, you can use this special request form. Please note that we can only help with purchasing a "grad pack" – which includes cap, gown, tassel and diploma cover – but not a stole or other regalia.
Join the Celebration!
There are numerous end-of-year events planned by De Anza's programs, affinity groups and Learning Communities. Check the
list of End-of-Year Celebrations for a complete schedule.
Grads participating in the collegewide commencement should also review the Tips for Graduating Students webpage to find information about how to get ready for the big day.
Share your grad photos! Use the hashtag #deanzagrad2025
Submit a Photo and Message for Slideshow
Members of the Class of 2025 are invited to share a brief message of thanks, appreciation or inspiration – and, if you wish, a photo of yourself for our special Graduation Slideshow, which will be displayed on this webpage and during the graduation ceremony.
Participation in the slideshow is optional, of course. You can submit any photo of yourself that you like – it can be formal or fun. But don't delay! In order to be included in the slideshow, you must submit your message and photo no later than Monday, June 23. Click the "Submit to Slideshow" button for easy instructions.
Send and View Digital Congrats Cards!
Friends, family and members of the college community can send congrats and best wishes to their favorite grad – or to the entire Class of 2025.
You can submit a photo of yourself or the grad you're congratulating, and we'll combine it with your message to create a digital card. (If you don't submit a photo, we'll use one of our special grad images.)
Click the "Send and View Congrats Cards" button to submit your congrats – anytime through July 1. Congrats cards will be displayed on a special section of this website, where everyone can enjoy them.
Disability Accommodations
- If you need disability accommodations, please send an email to balduccilaureen@deanza.edu
(For general questions about graduation, please email communications@deanza.edu) - Sign language interpreters will be present at the commencement event.
- The graduation will also be livestreamed with captions on this webpage and on the De Anza YouTube channel, beginning at 3 p.m. on June 29.
Note: Photographers Will Be Present
There will be photographers and videographers recording activities before, during and after the graduation ceremony. If you prefer not to have your image recorded or used by De Anza College in informational and promotional materials, please notify the photographer or videographer.