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Third annual ceremony honors transfronterizo students whose academic journeys span the U.S.–Mexico border
MEXICALI, Baja California — Imperial Valley College recognized the Class of 2026 during its third annual Binational Celebration on April 22 at CETYS Universidad Campus Mexicali, honoring students whose educational journeys span the United States and Mexico.
The ceremony brought together college leadership, board members, students and families to celebrate academic achievement shaped by perseverance, bicultural identity and cross-border experience. The event reflects Imperial Valley College’s long-standing partnership with CETYS Universidad and its commitment to supporting transfronterizo students.
Alexis Villa, vice president of student services and equity, served as master of ceremonies and opened the event by emphasizing the importance of holding the celebration in Mexicali.
“This space represents something very real for all of us, that our stories do not stop at a border,” Villa said speaking in Spanish. “We are two cities, two countries, but one community that recognizes itself, supports one another, and grows together.”
Villa said the milestone being celebrated reflects determination rather than ease.
“This diploma does not represent perfection,” she continued to say in Spanish. “It represents perseverance.”
Imperial Valley College Superintendent/President Dr. Lennor Johnson described the event as a tradition that continues to grow in meaning each year.
“What began as an idea to recognize our students and their families has become a tradition that represents the very best of our binational region,” Johnson said during the ceremony while speaking in Spanish.
Johnson thanked CETYS Universidad for its hospitality and collaboration and recognized Dr. Mario Dipp Núñez, director of CETYS Universidad Campus Mexicali, for his leadership and ongoing partnership. As a symbol of that collaboration, Johnson presented Dipp Núñez with a glass replica of the Imperial Valley College welcome rock.
Addressing students directly, Johnson acknowledged the challenges many face in pursuing higher education.
“Many of you wake up before dawn, cross the border, wait in long lines, and arrive to class tired, but determined,” Johnson said speaking in Spanish. “That speaks to your character, your strength and the kind of leaders you are becoming.”
Members of the Imperial Valley College Board of Trustees participated in the ceremony, including Board President Erik Ortega, who highlighted the broader significance of bicultural experience.
“In a world that often faces division, you represent connection,” Ortega said during the ceremony in Spanish. “You are bridges between communities, perspectives and traditions.”
Event keynote speaker, Efrain Silva, dean of economic and workforce development, spoke about access to higher education and the role of community colleges in creating opportunities for working students and first-generation college students.
“Today we see what happens when a family believes in education,” Silva said speakin in Spanish. “This graduation represents opportunities without borders.”
Student remarks were delivered by Elaine Valdez, president of the Associated Student Government and student representative to the Imperial Valley College Board of Trustees. Valdez shared her experience as a transfronterizo student navigating daily border crossings while pursuing her education.
“Being a cross-border student is not just about crossing a border, it is about crossing obstacles every single day,” Valdez said speaking in Spanish.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to graduates, recognizing not only academic achievement but also resilience, cultural identity, and community support. The event closed with a reflection on the graduates’ preparedness for future success.
“If you have been able to grow, learn, and succeed between Mexicali and the Imperial Valley, you can succeed anywhere,” Villa said speaking in Spanish.