From the President
De Anza Commencement Acknowledgements
July 1, 2026
Dear College Community,
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made commencement such a meaningful day for our graduates and their families. After three years at the convention center, it was wonderful to be back on our own campus for this year's ceremony.
This is always a true collegewide effort. Faculty, staff and administrators across every part of our campus came together to cheer on our beloved students.
It took months of planning to bring this day together. For all of their efforts, I would like to thank the staff in the Offices of the President, Finance and Administrative Services, College Operations and Communications. College Operations and Communications worked in close partnership from the start, with Operations leading the logistics and Communications managing the program, promotion, communications and awards.
Our student services staff and counselors made sure every graduate was eligible and ready to walk the red carpet! The Bookstore outfitted our graduates in regalia, and College Life organized our student volunteers and food trucks. Our team of volunteer coordinators also rallied a remarkable group of classified staff and others who gave up their Saturday for our students.
Facilities and Central Services had their teams of grounds, custodial, and other maintenance staff on campus as early as 5:30 a.m., and District Police kept the site secure throughout the week and safe throughout the event. Disability Services made sure our students and guests with accessibility needs were fully supported. Our audio and video partners made sure the ceremony was captured and heard.
I want to take a moment to thank everyone who made commencement such a meaningful day for our graduates and their families. After three years at the convention center, it was wonderful to be back on our own campus for this year's ceremony.
This is always a true collegewide effort. Faculty, staff and administrators across every part of our campus came together to cheer on our beloved students.
It took months of planning to bring this day together. For all of their efforts, I would like to thank the staff in the Offices of the President, Finance and Administrative Services, College Operations and Communications. College Operations and Communications worked in close partnership from the start, with Operations leading the logistics and Communications managing the program, promotion, communications and awards.
Our student services staff and counselors made sure every graduate was eligible and ready to walk the red carpet! The Bookstore outfitted our graduates in regalia, and College Life organized our student volunteers and food trucks. Our team of volunteer coordinators also rallied a remarkable group of classified staff and others who gave up their Saturday for our students.
Facilities and Central Services had their teams of grounds, custodial, and other maintenance staff on campus as early as 5:30 a.m., and District Police kept the site secure throughout the week and safe throughout the event. Disability Services made sure our students and guests with accessibility needs were fully supported. Our audio and video partners made sure the ceremony was captured and heard.
And of course, there was a lot happening behind the scenes ensuring our volunteers
and VIPs were well taken care of throughout the day!
The icing on the cake was the "scholars walk." There is something genuinely moving
about watching a student spot a familiar face among the faculty lining that path,
the instructor who pushed them in a tough course, or simply showed up for them when
it mattered. I hope even more of our faculty will join us for it next year. It is
one of the best seats in the house!
Every one of these efforts was in service of the same thing: helping our students reach a goal they worked hard to achieve. Watching them cross that stage was genuinely inspiring, and it was made possible by every person who had a hand in event. Bravo to all!
Thank you for everything you brought to the day.
With appreciation,
Every one of these efforts was in service of the same thing: helping our students reach a goal they worked hard to achieve. Watching them cross that stage was genuinely inspiring, and it was made possible by every person who had a hand in event. Bravo to all!
Thank you for everything you brought to the day.
With appreciation,
David
David Wain Coon, Ed.D.
Acting President, De Anza College
David Wain Coon, Ed.D.
Acting President, De Anza College