Just outside of UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion, Jasmine Kayla Rivers-Mendez was preparing for her big day. Surrounded by her grandparents, uncle, cousin and boyfriend, she smiled as she fidgeted with her graduation cap and prepared herself to walk into the storied arena.

“I love campus and I love coming here,” she said, marveling at the hundreds of graduates, friends and family members readying for the 2026 UCLA Extension Certificate Graduation Ceremony.

Rivers-Mendez earned her Early Childhood Education - Associate Teacher certificate, a culmination of hard work and dedication. She felt kinship with all those around her.

“I love seeing everyone also reaching their goals, and it makes me motivated to continue school and finish my bachelor’s,” she added.

With her family there in support, she felt peaceful, happy and grateful.

“We’re so proud of her,” said Ricardo Mendez, her uncle. “She’s put in a lot of hard work since she was little. She makes it look easy, and I know it’s not. We’re just really proud of her.”

Through the hallways and down into the lower tunnels of Pauley Pavilion, Jenny Pulido emerged onto the covered basketball court where she and her fellow graduates would sit and wait to walk the stage and accept their certificates. In the audience, just above an LED sign that read #UCLAxGrad, a group of family members screamed and cheered, waving to get her attention.

“It’s surreal,” said Pulido, who is graduating from the Marketing Certificate Program. “I was going to try and do it solo, but everyone wanted to come. And they took the time off, so of course I was like, OK.”

What does graduating mean to her?

“I am 54 and I’m showing my kids they can do anything at any time,” she said, beaming up at her supporters in the stands.

UCLA Extension endeavors to embody the mission statement of lifelong learning, a fact that was illustrated on June 15 by a group of approximately 675 graduates representing every walk of life imaginable, and the more than 4,000 people in the stands supporting them.

“Today marks the end of this particular journey and the receipt of your professional certificate, which serves as a testament to the knowledge and specialized skillset you have achieved at UCLA Extension,” said Eric Bullard, dean of the Division of Continuing Education and UCLA Extension. “It will long signify that you took the time to learn something new, to grow and change. And though that belongs to you alone, let’s take a moment to reflect on the people who helped you get to this point. Your parents, friends, partners, siblings, instructors and classmates – everyone who supported you in this journey. Though they may not have the formal credential at the end of their journey, their pride in your achievements will be worn as a badge of honor as well.”

UCLA Extension boasts almost 35,000 active students per year participating in more than 100 certificate programs. Students from across the country and globe graduated in a diverse array of specialties that include accounting, business, education, engineering, entertainment, health care, law and writing.

Keynote speaker Andrew Yang said he felt a kinship to those graduates in the audience. After all, he is known for professionally pivoting and evolving – listing lawyer, entrepreneur, professional party thrower, CEO, nonprofit founder, author, presidential candidate and most recently reality show contestant as part of his robust resume.

“I have had my own very winding and unconventional path to this stage, and that is true for many of you as well,” he said. “You sensed an opportunity, and you ran toward it. You completed your course of study, which is why we are here celebrating you today. That spirit has served you well and will move you forward.”

The newly minted graduates will join a community of more than 80,000 UCLA Extension Alumni, who are encouraged to take part in a vast networking community and spurred to continue learning, in any way they see fit and in any subject that inspires them.

“As graduates of UCLA Extension, you now join a distinguished and diverse association of alumni who have walked similar paths and faced similar challenges,” said Nisha Chauhan-McGrath, UCLA Extension director of alumni relations and development. “This group is more than a list of names; it’s a dynamic and supportive community. The accomplishments of our alumni reflect the quality of our institution, and your success and story contribute to that shared legacy. All of us at UCLA Extension are incredibly proud to share this moment with you.”