IVC Hosts 2025 Graduation Ceremony, Honoring Thousands of Students

The 2025 graduation ceremony at Imperial Valley College (IVC) was held this past Saturday, celebrating the achievements of about 2,730 graduates. These students earned a total of roughly 2,127 degrees and certificates.

Due to the size of the graduating class, the ceremony was split into two parts—one at 9 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. The event started with Alexis N. Villa, the Vice President of Student Services & Equity, serving as the master of ceremonies. She welcomed everyone and introduced the special guests.

Elaine Valdez, President-Elect of the Associated Students Government and Student Trustee for 2025-2026, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The IVC Choral Ensemble sang the National Anthem and later performed the school’s Alma Mater.

Superintendent/President Dr. Lennor M. Johnson gave a speech to encourage the graduates. He said, “This is a celebration of success, of culminating the two to four year rigorous journey… recognizing the fruits of your labor, your persistence, and the sacrifices that brought you here today.” He also shared some facts about the graduates, including that the oldest was 67 years old and the youngest was 18. More than half of the graduates were women, and 70% graduated with honors (3.0 GPA and above), or distinction (3.5 GPA and above).

The ceremony also included speeches from Sofia Salorio, the current Student Trustee, who graduated herself, and Hortencia Armendariz, President of the ICCD Board of Trustees. Gail Warner, the Interim Vice President of Academic Services, performed the conferral of degrees to the graduating class of 2025.

Twin sisters Dylan Jardon (left) and Jadyn Jardon (right) proudly stand on their front yard lawn in matching regalia prior to their graduation from Imperial Valley College.

A special highlight was the story of twins Jadyn and Dylan Jardon, both 21 years old graduating with distinction (3.5 GPA and above). Jadyn earned her Associate’s Degree in Kinesiology and University Studies of Science and Mathematics for transfer. She shared, “Being at IVC gave me the opportunity to get my degree in person and online. My experiences at IVC were fun, easy, and also challenging when I got the chance to take some of my classes with my friends and sister. Graduating left me a bittersweet feeling since I was able to accomplish many of my achievements with the support of my family and friends, but also because I will miss the friends I made at IVC.”

Her twin Dylan also graduated with her Associate’s Degree in University Studies of Science and Mathematics for transfer. She said, “My journey at IVC had its ups and downs, where I made new friends, changed majors, stayed up countless nights studying, and enjoyed the college experience. Going to school while working, going to the gym, and maintaining my social life was tough, but having my family and friends supporting me made the journey easier.”

The ceremony ended with the singing of the IVC Alma Mater, celebrating the graduating class of 2025.