Chancellor Goldsmith's Remarks - June 3, 2025 Board Meeting

Good evening, Trustees and members of the public.

The past several weeks have been filled with celebration and pride across our district. Each of our four colleges held commencement ceremonies that were nothing short of inspirational. Our presidents have all reported that their events went smoothly—and I hope those of you who participated are holding warm memories from those ceremonies in your hearts.

This year marked a milestone: the largest graduating classes in our district’s history. That achievement speaks volumes about the grit of our students and the dedication of our faculty, administrators, and classified professionals, who work together every day to ensure student success.

Here are the numbers:

• Fresno City College had approximately 1,200 graduates walk across the stage, with over 14,000 in the audience.
• Reedley College celebrated 700 graduates with an audience of around 4,000.
• Clovis Community College had 400 graduates, with 2,700 in attendance.
• And Madera Community College saw 250 graduates and nearly 2,750 audience members.

To accommodate its growing crowds, Fresno City College moved its commencement to the Save Mart Center—and it was a tremendous success. The other colleges are now exploring similar off-campus options, as their on-campus venues have reached their maximum capacity for both seating and parking. We’ll be working closely with our college leadership teams to explore solutions and ensure we continue to create meaningful and accessible graduation experiences for all students and their families.

In addition to commencements, we also celebrated the service and commitment of our classified professionals, faculty and administrators. These are the individuals who keep our institutions running—not with magic, but with skill, kindness, and tireless dedication. They solve problems, answer countless emails, and push forward the mission of education every single day. Much of this work happens behind the scenes, without fanfare—but it matters. Every spreadsheet, every form, every well-timed reminder—it all contributes to degrees earned, futures shaped, and lives changed.

What they do isn’t just work. It’s service. It’s care. And yes—it’s a daily act of endurance in a fast-moving, acronym-heavy, ever changing environment. To all of them, we say thank you. Your excellence may be quiet, but it is never unnoticed.

Finally, I want to share a bright and beautiful project that’s bringing new life to downtown Fresno. Our art faculty and students are painting a mural on the district’s downtown parking structure. It’s already transforming the space into something vibrant and meaningful. We’ll be celebrating its completion on Friday, July 18th at 9:00 a.m., and I hope you’ll all join us for what promises to be a very special moment.

Thank you.