BY VICTOR A. PATTON
CV Journalism Collaborative
Amid a sea of blue and gold caps and gowns, Rep. Adam Gray took the stage on May 23 at Merced College’s Stadium ‘76, reminding the Class of 2025 not to be discouraged by setbacks that come with the quest for success.
The 47-year-old Democratic congressman, who is also a Merced College alumnus, told his fellow Blue Devils during the 62nd annual commencement ceremony that he, too, understands the disappointments that come with striving for goals.
Gray mentioned his initial loss to John Duarte in 2022 for the 13th Congressional District seat by a narrow margin. In last year’s rematch for the seat, Gray eked out a victory by a mere 187 votes.
Similarly, Gray told graduates to be undaunted when faced with obstacles,. “The change the Valley needs starts here,” Gray told the graduates.
“It starts now. Don’t let the challenges of the world you are about to enter stop you from pursuing your own greatness. With the preparation you have received here, and the support of your loved ones who are here to celebrate you tonight, you have everything you need to be great.”
Gray, who is a Merced native, also said the college is playing a critical role in addressing the San Joaquin Valley’s top needs, one of which remains a shortage of nurses and doctors.
Bottom of Form
According to a 2022 UC San Francisco study for the state’s Department of Healthcare Access and Information, the San Joaquin Valley has the lowest number of registered nurses per 100,000 people than any other region in the state.
There also were fewer advanced practice nurses with higher levels of education here compared with other areas of the state.
“While our community grapples with a shortage of physicians, Merced College nursing and health care students are in high demand to make sure our families can get the care they need,” Gray said.
“Merced College is training the next generation of our workforce. As we know, the training and job preparation you receive here will propel you out into the world to finally take a swing at solving these issues facing our community.”
Earlier this year, Gray and Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, introduced a bill to address the physician shortage in the nation’s rural areas.
The 2025 commencement ceremony comes as Merced College officials say they are poised to achieve the institution’s largest-ever student enrollment.
President Chris Vitelli on Friday said the college conferred 3,445 degrees and certificates during the 2024-25 academic year.
“You studied in the Downey Center, cried in your car, got your financial aid sorted at the last possible moment, and still managed to show up with your head held high,” Vitelli said.
“And let’s be honest, there were days where you felt like giving up, but you didn’t. You’re here and tonight, you are not like them. To quote Kendrick Lamar’s latest anthem heard at every graduation party and car stereo from here to the Bay, ‘They Not Like Us.’”
Speaker’s family traveled from Fiji to celebrate
A particularly emotional moment during Friday’s ceremony came when student speaker Payal Nunes, who was born in the Republic of Fiji, mentioned that her family traveled all the way from the South Pacific island country to witness her graduation.
Vitelli asked Nunes’ family to stand, and the entire stadium cheered.
Nunes, 28, moved to the U.S. at age 18 to pursue higher education. She has now earned a degree in early childhood education from Merced College, and works as a master teacher and site supervisor for Merced County Office of Education’s Head Start program.
“Class of 2025, we are a diverse group, each of us with our own stories, struggles and dreams,” Nunes said.
“Some of us are heading into the workforce, ready to make an impact in our communities. Others are transferring to four-year universities to continue our education. And many of us, like me, are stepping into roles where we’ll nurture the next generation. But no matter where we’re going, we carry with us the lessons of perseverance, adaptability and compassion that Merced College has instilled in us.”
Another special moment on Friday came when Merced College alumnus Isaiah Davis performed a rockin’ rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, singing while playing along on his Fender Telecaster guitar.
A commencement ceremony was also held Thursday night at Merced College’s Los Banos campus. Los Banos Mayor Mike Amabile was the keynote speaker at Thursday’s event, the campus’ third commencement ceremony.
