Monterey Peninsula College Announces Alumnus and U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta as 2026 Commencement Keynote Speaker
The May 22nd ceremony will honor graduating students, who will receive over 1,300 degrees and certificates this year.
Monterey, CA (May 12, 2026) – Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) is honored to welcome distinguished alumnus U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta, serving California’s 19th Congressional District, as the keynote speaker for this year’s Commencement Ceremony on May 22, 2026.
“The presence of Representative Panetta will be an inspiration to our graduates, who will one day become leaders themselves and serve the community,” said MPC’s Superintendent/President Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III. “His visit will remind our students that dedication, integrity, and public service can create meaningful change in society. I know his words will encourage them to pursue their own goals with confidence and a strong sense of responsibility to others.”
The 2026 Commencement Ceremony will proudly recognize the dedication, perseverance, and academic success of the class of 2026 as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their personal and professional journeys. This year, MPC is awarding over 1,300 degrees and certificates. Many of our students transfer to four-year institutions or go straight into the workforce well prepared.
“Our Commencement Ceremony is a celebration of perseverance, accomplishment, and the bright future that awaits our graduates,” shared MPC’s Board Chair Dr. Celia Barberena, a former community college instructor and executive leader. “The day marks not only the culmination of years of hard work, but also the beginning of new opportunities for our students.”
MPC 2026 Commencement:
- When: Friday, May 22nd at 4 PM
- Where: Pappas-Phillips Community Stadium, 980 Fremont St, Monterey, CA 93940
Recognized for its commitment to equity in student access, support, and success, as well as its focus on innovative learning environments and a collaborative community, MPC is proud that its most popular General Education (GE) Associate Degrees this academic year include: Social Science, Natural Sciences, Communication and Analytical Thinking, and Arts and Humanities.
The top MPC Discipline-Specific Associate Degrees in 2026 are: Business/Accounting, Psychology, Nursing, Pre-Nursing, and Medical Assisting, while the most awarded Associate Degrees for Transfer will include Business Administration, Psychology, Mathematics, Administration of Justice, and Kinesiology.
Additionally, the top General Education (GE) Certificates at the College consist of California State University (CSU) General Education Breadth and Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (CSU or University of California).
MPC’s most awarded Discipline-Specific Certificates will be: Administration of Justice – Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter Academy, Associate Teacher, and Medical Assisting.
Monterey Peninsula College - Established in 1947
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California’s public community college system, is an open-access institution committed to fostering student learning and success by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning opportunities.
In addition to the scenic Monterey campus located on 90+ acres, MPC’s district includes the Public Safety Training Center in Seaside and the Education Center at Marina. As a comprehensive community college, MPC responds to the educational and cultural needs of its diverse community and is distinguished for its outstanding academic programs and strong commitment to student success. To learn more about Monterey Peninsula College, please visit www.mpc.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.