More Than 1,500 Graduating in 61st Commencement | | |
Cuesta College celebrates its 61st Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 22, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo Campus, honoring more than 1,500 graduates across the fall, spring, and summer terms.
This year’s graduates earned 4,636 degrees and certificates across a wide range of academic and career pathways, including associate degrees, transfer degrees, and career education programs that support the needs of our region.
The Class of 2026 reflects both academic excellence and deep local connection. More than 500 graduates received The Cuesta Promise, providing two years of fee-free education, and 820 attended local high schools. More than 590 students earned honors distinctions, including 273 students achieving high honors and 32 earning a 4.0 GPA. Graduates range in age from 18 to 76, demonstrating that opportunity at Cuesta College is accessible at every stage of life.
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Professor Ruta Saliklis Receives Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award
Congratulations to Fine Arts Professor Ruta Saliklis on receiving a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for 2026–27 to Lithuania. This remarkable achievement marks her second Fulbright award and reflects the global impact of Cuesta College faculty and the strength of our academic community.
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Student-Athletes Earn Statewide Recognition
Cuesta College student-athletes closed the year with outstanding achievements. Women’s wrestler Aubree Kooren won the state championship at 131 lbs. in the inaugural year of the program, coming from behind to win in the final seconds. Men’s Swimming also earned its sixth straight Western State Conference title, and sophomore Grant Huston won three 3C2A state titles in the 100, 200, and 400 medleys, breaking 3C2A records in all three events.
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Cuesta Theatre Production Earns National Honors
Cuesta College’s production of James and the Giant Peach received nine national awards and eight regional meritorious commendations through the American College Theatre Festival. The recognition celebrates exceptional student, faculty, and staff work across performance, design, technical direction, and production.
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Foundation-Hosted Rodeo Benefit Raises More Than $140K in Honor of Clint & Connie Pearce
The Cuesta College Foundation hosted a successful Rodeo Benefit honoring Clint and Connie Pearce and their decade of volunteer service to the Cuesta College Rodeo program. The event brought together alumni, donors, community partners, and rodeo supporters, raising more than $140,000 to support Rodeo student-athletes and help strengthen the future of the program.
| | Cougar Welcome Days Help More Than 870 Incoming Students Register for Fall | | |
In early May, Cougar Welcome Days, Cuesta College’s primary registration event for first-time college students, helped more than 870 students register for fall — a 40% increase from last year — with more than 10,000 units registered.
Led by Outreach and Enrollment Services and Counseling, the initiative provides priority registration, academic counseling, and hands-on enrollment support. By partnering with local high schools and offering accessible service options, Cougar Welcome Days helps students build confidence, navigate college systems, and feel connected before their first semester begins.
Special thanks to Outreach and Enrollment Services and Counseling, with leadership from Michaela McLaughlin, Geovany Castillo-Cisneros, and Heidi Webber.
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  SLO Campus Center Welcomes New Offices & Services | | |
Cuesta College continues to move into the new SLO Campus Center, an important milestone in enhancing student services and campus operations. Fiscal Services, Human Resources, the Cuesta College Foundation, and the President’s Office are now open in the building.
Counseling, Financial Aid, Cashiering, and the International Student Program will move on Tuesday, May 26. These services will be located on the first floor of the SLO Campus Center, Building 3000.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, June 3, at 2 p.m. RSVP to Sarah Fessenden at sarah_fessenden@cuesta.edu.
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  32nd Tellus Celebrates Student Creativity | | |
Cuesta College recently unveiled the 2026 edition of Tellus, the college’s Literary and Fine Arts Journal. Now in its 32nd year, Tellus celebrates student work in creative writing, fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and visual art.
This year’s journal received more than 90 submissions, reflecting the creativity, talent, and courage of Cuesta College students who shared their work with the campus community.
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Commencement Ceremony, May 22, 1-4:30 p.m.
Join us at our San Luis Obispo campus as we celebrate the milestones of the Class of 2026.
SLO Campus Center Ribbon-Cutting, June 3, 2-3 p.m.
Join us to celebrate the opening of the SLO Campus Center and this important Measure L milestone. RSVP to Sarah Fessenden at sarah_fessenden@cuesta.edu.
Fall Semester Opening Day, Aug. 14
Cuesta College employees and invited guests are welcome to join us at Stork Gym on the San Luis Obispo Campus for Opening Day as we kick off the new academic year. Breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the program at 9 a.m.
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