Hancock celebrated its 2025 transfer graduates at a special recognition ceremony on May 16. Courtesy photo.
SANTA MARIA — Allan Hancock College celebrated 2025 graduates who will continue their education at four-year universities at its annual University Transfer Celebration on May 16 at the college’s Santa Maria campus.
Hosted each year by Hancock’s University Transfer Center, the event was an opportunity for Hancock’s transfer students to celebrate their achievements with their friends and family as they prepared for a new chapter in their educational journeys. More than 300 transfer graduates and their families were honored at this year’s celebration.
Participating students, many wearing apparel from their respective universities, received a commemorative transfer medallion, took photos with their soon-to-be university peers, and listened to messages of support from Hancock staff and their fellow transfer students.
“Each of our transfer students represents a story of determination, resilience, and growth,” said Hancock Superintendent/President Kevin G. Walthers, Ph.D. “Their success shows what’s possible when students take full advantage of the resources and support Hancock offers.”
Hancock encourages students to think about transferring early in their student journey and provides resources and support through the UTC and other programs. This year, the college marked an unbroken 24-year streak of having the highest acceptance rate to Cal Poly, SLO. More than 69 percent of Hancock applicants were accepted to become Mustangs.
“Programs like EOPS and the University Transfer Center were a huge part of my success,” said 2025 Hancock Graduate Chris Nordquist, who is transferring to Cal Poly to study psychology. “They didn’t just guide me—they believed in me.”
In addition, 21 of the students at the celebration were transferring to University of California campuses across the state. Many of them took advantage of the Transfer Admission Guarantee program, which provides students with guaranteed admission to the UC campus of their choice if they meet specific requirements.
Hancock will celebrate its 104th graduating class at a commencement ceremony on May 23. To learn more about the UTC, visit??https://www.hancockcollege.edu/utc.