Cuesta College celebrates its 2023 graduating class: ‘I am in awe’

Mackenzie Shuman, Laura Dickinson
·2 min read

Cuesta College kicked off the spring graduation season by celebrating its Class of 2023 on Friday.

The California community college with campuses in San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles graduated a total of 1,207 students at its 58th annual commencement ceremony.

A total of 1,614 degrees — including 697 associates in arts, 233 associates in science, 292 associates in arts for transfer students and 392 associates in science for transfer students — were awarded in the ceremony at the San Luis Obispo campus.

Additionally, 44 nursing graduates were honored in a pinning ceremony on Thursday at the college’s Harold J. Miossi Cultural and Performing Arts Center.

“I am in awe of the remarkable achievements of Cuesta College’s graduating Class of 2023,” said Cuesta College Superintendent and President Dr. Jill Stearns in a news release. “The highlight of the year is celebrating the accomplishments of our graduates. I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each triumphant student crossing the stage.”

Robert Gagnebin, 74, of San Luis Obispo graduated Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo on Friday, May 19, 2023. Cuesta College Superintendent Dr. Jill Stearns handed the graduating students their diplomas and posed for a photo with each student.
Robert Gagnebin, 74, of San Luis Obispo graduated Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo on Friday, May 19, 2023. Cuesta College Superintendent Dr. Jill Stearns handed the graduating students their diplomas and posed for a photo with each student.

Of those who graduated, 595 came from San Luis Obispo County high schools.

Plus, 358 graduates benefited from the Promise Scholarship, which granted them two fee-free years at Cuesta College.

Students who graduated in Cuesta College’s Class of 2023 ranged from as young as 17 to Patricia Lipscomb, who earned a philosophy associates in arts degree at 75 years old.

A total of 392 graduates achieved honors or high honors, meaning they attained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher. Another 25 students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.

Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2023 on Friday, May 19, 2023. A total of 1,207 students graduated from the community college.
Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2023 on Friday, May 19, 2023. A total of 1,207 students graduated from the community college.

The excitement of graduation was clear from those who walked across the stage on Friday afternoon under clear blue skies. Students said the ceremony went smoothly and they were excited for their next adventures.

Gabriela Aguilera, 53, graduated on Friday with a degree in family studies said she was happy to have “finally done it.”

“The school was extremely helpful through my process,” she said. “I enjoyed it!”

Another graduate, Aurora Lomanto, 21, said she’s excited to transfer to California State University Northridge after earning a degree in public health science from Cuesta College.

Jessica Lopez waits in the lineup before going on stage to receive her diploma at Cuesta College’s commencement on Friday, May 19, 2023. A total of 1,207 students graduated from the community college.
Jessica Lopez waits in the lineup before going on stage to receive her diploma at Cuesta College’s commencement on Friday, May 19, 2023. A total of 1,207 students graduated from the community college.

“I had an amazing experience at Cuesta; even though I had to go online some during COVID, my teachers were really great online ... and I still feel like I got a really amazing education,” Lomanto said. “I’m really lucky and blessed that I got to have my last few semesters in person before I graduated.”

Kenna Perry, 20, said that after starting Cuesta College classes in high school and graduating with a degree in business administration on Friday, she’s ready to now go into the workforce.

“I’m only 20 years old, and I’m getting my administrations degree — I’m excited,” she said with a laugh.

Jaycee McIntire’s hat shows she is going to Cal Poly. Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2023 on Friday, May 19, 2023. A total of 1,207 students graduated from the community college.
Jaycee McIntire’s hat shows she is going to Cal Poly. Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2023 on Friday, May 19, 2023. A total of 1,207 students graduated from the community college.
Judy Rittmiller, a DSP program assistant at the North County Cuesta College campus, was part of the cheering section as the students walked to the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2023.
Judy Rittmiller, a DSP program assistant at the North County Cuesta College campus, was part of the cheering section as the students walked to the graduation ceremony on Friday, May 19, 2023.
Romi West, 71, of Cambria, graduated from Cuesta College on May 19, 2023, with a liberal arts degree. “This graduation is extra special to me because I’m honoring my husband and sister both passed away recently,” West said through tears.
Romi West, 71, of Cambria, graduated from Cuesta College on May 19, 2023, with a liberal arts degree. “This graduation is extra special to me because I’m honoring my husband and sister both passed away recently,” West said through tears.