Gavilan College MESA Students Transfer to Top Universities

Nancy Velasquez-Rodriguez is heading to San José State to study chemistry, and Luis Natera is bound for UC Davis to pursue mechanical engineering. They're just two of the graduating students who walked across the stage at Gavilan College's 10th Annual MESA Graduation and Transfer Banquet in May 2026, celebrating years of hard work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement Program at Gavilan College supports students from historically underrepresented communities who are pursuing calculus-based STEM degrees. For a decade now, the program has been proving that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't always.

The celebration took place at Hecker Pass Winery, where families, faculty, and community leaders gathered to honor the graduating class. Dr. Pedro Avila delivered the keynote address, encouraging students to keep leading as they move on to universities across California and beyond.

Vanessa Gonzalez, representing California Speaker Robert Rivas, presented certificates of recognition from the State Assembly. The official acknowledgment highlighted not just academic achievement, but the leadership and dedication these students showed while navigating challenging STEM pathways.

Nancy and Luis each delivered student keynote speeches, sharing their journeys from Gavilan's classrooms to acceptance letters from competitive universities. Their stories reflected the evening's recurring theme: resilience paired with the right support system creates transformative outcomes.

The MESA program doesn't just teach formulas and theories. Students receive comprehensive academic support, counseling, transfer preparation, career exploration workshops, internship opportunities, and leadership development designed specifically for success in demanding STEM fields.

The Ripple Effect

These graduates represent more than personal achievement. Each student who transfers from Gavilan MESA into a four-year university becomes living proof for younger students from similar backgrounds that STEM careers are within reach.

As these students pack for their next chapters at institutions like UC Davis and San José State, they carry forward a decade of program excellence. The support systems, mentorship, and community built at Gavilan travel with them into research labs, engineering firms, and chemistry departments across the state.

Ten years of MESA banquets means hundreds of students have made this journey, building a growing network of scientists, engineers, and mathematicians who started right where this year's graduates did.