PENDLETON, Ore.- Approximately 13,500 students will earn associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, certificates, and other credentials from one of Oregon’s 17 community colleges during the 2025-26 academic year.
The Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) congratulated and celebrated recent graduates as they prepared to enter the workforce, transfer to four-year colleges, start careers, and contribute to their communities.
“The Class of 2026 represents the very best of Oregon’s community colleges,” said OCCA Executive Director Dr. Abby Lee. “These students have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone, often overcoming significant obstacles along the way. Their achievements are a testament to their resilience, determination, and commitment to building brighter futures for themselves, their families, and the communities they call home.”
One of the colleges celebrating the class of 2026 was Blue Mountain Community College (BMCC), which held its graduation June 10 at the Pendleton Convention Center.
The BMCC class of 2026 was comprised of 303 graduates (181 of whom participated in graduation) from 11 different states, with students ranging in age from 16 to 60.
“Our graduates came from a number of different backgrounds and hometowns, they brought all kinds of skills, abilities, and talents, and they have made us better for their being here,” said BMCC President Dr. Mark Browning at the commencement.
The BMCC class of 2026 included 25 TRIO students, the federal program designed to help first-generation college students, as well as 49 student-athletes, and 153 students graduated with honors.
“Tonight’s the night graduates, we celebrate you, we celebrate your work, your achievements, and we start to ponder the question of what’s next?” said Dr. Browning.
Dr. Browning then reminded the graduates that they did not make it to this moment alone and had the class of 2026 stand, find their person in the crowd, and thank them.
More information about BMCC, including available programs and courses of study, can be found online.
