Clark College honored and celebrated its 90th graduating class at the 2026 Clark College Commencement ceremony on Thursday evening, June 18, at the Cascades Amphitheater. Nearly 700 graduates crossed the stage, as family, friends, faculty and staff gathered to cheer and celebrate their achievements, according to a news release from the college.
In total, 2,816 graduates were recognized for completing educational milestones, including bachelor’s and associate degrees, professional certificates, high school diplomas and GEDs.
The college awarded just as many degrees and certificates — reflecting a 49% increase in total awards over 2025 and underscoring Clark’s expanding impact on the regional workforce and educational attainment.
“We all know the critical role community colleges play,” said Clark College President Karin Edwards. “They are the front door to higher education for millions. Almost 40% of all undergraduates in this country are enrolled at a community college. Serving more than 10 million students a year, community colleges are nothing short of a force in this nation. Clark College is part of that force."
Highlights:
Degrees and certificates conferred included:
Student honors:
Graduating Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All Washington Academic Team Honorees for two-year colleges, selected for demonstrating academic excellence and community service:
Community College Presidential Scholarship Award honorees
Clark College is proud to announce Camille Villaneuva as the recipient of the 2026 Community College Presidential Scholarship. Awarded to a Clark College graduate who is transferring to a four-year institution, the $15,000 award provides the equivalent of two years of in-state tuition towards their bachelor’s degree. The annual award’s recipient must demonstrate leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and academic achievement. This year, the scholarship was generously funded by the Clark College Foundation.
Graduating with an associate in science degree in electrical engineering, Villaneuva exemplifies academic excellence, strong leadership and a deep commitment to service. After moving to the United States from the Philippines, Camille navigated the challenges of learning English as her second language while balancing her studies in engineering, a field where women are often underrepresented. She served as an event coordinator for Clark’s Activities Programming Board, is an active member of MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement), and volunteers with the Penguin Pantry. Villaneuva hopes to advocate for women in STEM and use her engineering skills to improve the lives of people with disabilities. She plans to continue her studies at Portland State University.
Thanks to the generosity of Clark College Foundation, the Presidential Scholarship taskforce selected two other recipients ($1,500 scholarship each):
Commencement speakers:
Graduates received parting words of inspiration from this year’s speakers.
Dr. Edwards reminded graduates: “By betting on yourself, you didn’t just change your own life; you began changing this community. You are not here to simply inherit the future; you are here to build it. Wherever your path leads, lead with humanity. Care for the people around you — and care for yourself — and leave every place you frequent better than you found it. Reach back and help someone else up.”
Scarbrough, encouraged the class of 2026: “As you have demonstrated during your time at Clark, courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is moving forward anyway. Your education at Clark has prepared you for your next leap. Take that step with the strength, courage, and persistence that you developed at Clark.”
Topping shared: "Most people don't walk confidently through life with a perfectly written manuscript. We are all figuring it out as we go. So don't worry about the pressure to have a clear plan. What matters most is finding the courage to just say yes, even in the smallest moments."
Founded in 1933, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education.
Clark College’s main campus is located in Vancouver’s Central Park, with classes also held at Washington State University Vancouver, Columbia Tech Center, and the new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield.
