Meet the SSU Class of 2026

May 15, 2026

During Sonoma State University’s 2026 Commencement, more than 1,900 graduates will receive their degrees during ceremonies to be held May 23 and 24 at Green Music Center on the SSU campus. A few of SSU’s soon-to-be graduates shared reflections on their experiences at Sonoma State, and gave a preview of what is next after graduation.

Conchis Randazzo

Hometown: Oaxaca, Mexico

Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts, Sociology

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
I chose Sonoma State because it is close to my family, and the campus community was very welcoming. I wanted a place where I could feel supported while growing both academically and personally.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
One of the most transformational experiences at SSU has been stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new experiences. By meeting new people and learning how to balance school, work, and family, I have gained much more confidence in myself and my abilities. My time here has helped me grow both personally and academically.

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Grateful

What’s next for you after graduation?
It is time for me to serve my community and join the workforce to support my family, which was the main reason I started my studies. I feel ready because of all the knowledge and experiences I gained at the wonderful Sonoma State University.

Faith Whitton

Hometown: Monterey Bay area, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies (Hutchins School) with a concentration in art

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
I chose Sonoma State because of the beautiful environment and the way I felt like “this is where I belong” the first time I ever stepped on campus.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
Many memorable moments at Sonoma State during all the (Associated Students) events I went to with friends and my bf, getting to do the photo booth and making memories on campus.

During my time here, I’ve experienced being stressed out over classes, looking forward to fun events on campus, creating new friendships, making art, and learning who I am. I wouldn’t have been able to make it without all my biggest supporters, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given as I look forward to the new ones heading my way!

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Milestone

What’s next for you after graduation?
I will be attending graduate school and doing a single subject art credential program.

Faith Whitton posing while wearing a graduation cap

Itzel Hernandez

Hometown: Santa Rosa, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing & Management

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
I chose Sonoma State because it gave me the opportunity to stay close to home while earning my degree in a supportive and welcoming environment. I knew I wanted a school where I could build meaningful connections, grow professionally, and still remain connected to my community.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
Sonoma State helped me grow into someone who is more confident in both my voice and abilities. As a first-generation student balancing school, work, and life responsibilities, there were moments where I doubted myself, but those experiences ultimately pushed me to become more resilient. Through my classes, mentors, and hands-on experiences, I discovered my passion for marketing, branding, and creative work, which inspired me to begin building my own marketing agency.

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Driven

What’s next for you after graduation?
I plan to continue growing my marketing and creative agency while expanding my experience in branding, social media, and digital content creation. I’m excited to continue helping small businesses and beyond tell their stories in creative and authentic ways.

Jorge Alejandre-Martinez

Hometown: Napa, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts, Chicano and Latino Studies

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
Being a smaller school with smaller class size, I decided that Sonoma State was a place where I could build more of a connection with professors and get more support and that has definitely proved to be true. I feel very supported by my professors and faculty mentors.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
Connections with my friends, and also with my professors and faculty mentors and advisors, has been an important part of my SSU experience. In terms of transformation, I really raised my GPA over the past three years at Sonoma State and all of my advisors were there to work with me whenever I needed extra help.

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Excited

What’s next for you after graduation?
I am hoping to apply to higher ed jobs and secure an entry level role, with the goal of also applying and going on to graduate school a year from now. Eventually I would like to reach a director level job in a university field like student affairs.

Alex Olivares

Hometown: Oakley, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
I chose Sonoma State because of the smaller community. I wanted to be able to make connections with friends and professors.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
When I first got here as a transfer student, being able to make friends and be in clubs was very exciting and impactful for me – that is actually how I met my now best friend.

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Excited

What’s next for you after graduation?
I am planning to go to grad school to get my masters in social work.

Mya Pequeno

Hometown: Napa, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Studies with a concentration in special education teaching

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
I chose Sonoma State because it offers a supportive, close-knit learning environment close to home with strong academic opportunities.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
Building connections with classmates and professors who made me feel supported and encouraged and being part of a close-knit campus community helped me grow both academically and personally. It taught me the importance of confidence, balance, and staying motivated through challenges.

Being a third-year transfer student from another four-year university, Sonoma State and the ECS department made me feel at home. It felt as though I had been at SSU my whole university experience, and I wouldn't change it for anything.

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Grateful

What’s next for you after graduation?
I was recently hired as Napa Valley Unified School District’s newest Elementary Education Specialist and will begin my position in fall 2026.

Jessica Avner

Hometown: Clearlake, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts, Human Development with a Psychology minor

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
I chose Sonoma State because I loved the energy on campus and it was close enough to home that I could visit on weekends. I loved SSU so much that I never left. I have been working on campus full time since 2007, and I am now completing a second bachelor's degree. (Editor’s note: Avner graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice Administration in 2009.)

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
I attended Sonoma State as an Educational Opportunity Program student starting in fall 2002. At that time, I was living with my sister, who is less than a year older than me, and navigating life without any parental support. I arrived in Santa Rosa on a Greyhound bus for the EOP Summer Bridge Program and was picked up by one of the Summer Bridge counselors, who delivered me to SSU. EOP was committed not only to helping me get to Sonoma State, but also to helping me succeed there. From helping with financial aid paperwork to choosing classes, the EOP staff became like guardians to me throughout my time in school.

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Excited

What’s next for you after graduation?
I currently work on campus at Sonoma State, though I am looking at graduate school programs that can help me build up my design skills.

Amanda Pohopien

Hometown: Glendora, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Arts, Early Childhood Studies with a concentration in special education teaching

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
I chose SSU for so many reasons but the housing, small class sizes, and gorgeous campus were the main selling points! I wanted to attend a university that allowed me to connect with my peers and professors, and give me tons of local career connections for post-grad.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
The most memorable aspect of my time here is easily the amazing people I've met through my job on campus! Being a part of the Seawolf Living squad was on my bucket list as a first-year student, and I am so beyond proud of myself and how much I've grown in my position. I have so many lifelong best friends from this team and from the fun classes I've taken!

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Motivated

What’s next for you after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue working in digital content creation and marketing! I hope to apply my videography and photography skills to whatever career I end up in, and of course I will be continuing my freelance/contract photography work

Toby Dodgen

Hometown: Arcata, California

Degree and major: Bachelor of Science, Physics with an Astrophysics concentration

Why did you choose Sonoma State?
As I was preparing to retire from the Coast Guard, my wife got her new job at the university. For me, it made sense to go somewhere close to our new home, but it has also been great to have a wide base of support.

What has been your most memorable or transformational experience at SSU?
I loved assisting Dr. Severson at the Public Observation Nights. I got to connect with our community and present space as a place that is understandable and accessible to anyone.

What’s one word that describes how you’re feeling as Commencement gets closer?
Dedicated

What’s next for you after graduation?
I have a little room right now where I'm figuring out what that is, whether I decide on one of three or four graduate tracks that I'm thinking about, or go for a job, or teaching.