Graduation season is here; Santa Clara County is ready to celebrate every cap toss, happy tear, and proud family cheer. Whether you’re a high school senior, a college grad, or a proud parent, this is your moment. The Class of 2025 has worked hard, and now it’s time to honor every achievement with style, laughter, and plenty of local flavor.
Big Days, Big Smiles: Graduation Ceremonies Across the County
Santa Clara County schools are rolling out the red carpet for their 2025 graduates. Santa Clara University will host its Graduate Commencement on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Stevens Stadium. Graduates from the School of Education & Counseling Psychology and the Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries will walk at 4:00 p.m., followed by the Leavey School of Business and the School of Engineering at 7:00 p.m.
The celebration kicks off with a Commencement Liturgy at the historic Mission Santa Clara de Asís on Friday, June 13, at 4:00 p.m. All are welcome; no tickets needed for the Liturgy.
Bellarmine College Preparatory is also hosting a series of events. Senior activities, awards assemblies, and the much-anticipated Commencement will fill May with excitement. Families can pick up complimentary graduation lawn signs in April to show their pride right at home. The Senior Ball at Villa Ragusa and the Senior Sunrise on the football field add extra sparkle to the end of the school year.
At the University of Silicon Valley, the Commencement Ceremony takes place on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Santa Clara Convention Center’s Center Theater. Graduates from Summer 2024, Fall 2024, and Spring 2025 are all invited to walk the stage. The event offers both in-person and livestream options, so everyone can join the celebration, near or far.
Mission College students will wrap up their academic journey with a Spring 2025 term ending on May 23. Diplomas will be mailed by July 31, giving grads a summer to remember. Make sure all applications and documentation are in on time; the deadlines come quickly!
Party Like a Graduate: Planning the Perfect Celebration
A graduation party is more than a gathering; it’s a tribute to years of effort and dreams coming true. Start with a checklist to keep things stress-free:
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Pick a date that works for family and friends.
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Choose a local venue; parks like Central Park in Santa Clara or a backyard filled with string lights set the perfect scene.
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Send invitations early, especially if relatives are traveling.
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Order food that everyone loves, think taquerias, food trucks, or a classic barbecue.
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Don’t forget decorations! Balloons, banners, and a photo wall bring the memories to life.
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Set up a music playlist full of favorite tunes and graduation anthems.
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Plan activities: a trivia game about the grad, a “guess the baby photo” contest, or a video montage of school years.
For a truly local touch, order a custom cake from Peters’ Bakery or a dessert spread from Bijan Bakery & Café. If you want to keep things simple, a picnic at Vasona Lake County Park or a dinner at Santana Row offers a festive backdrop without the fuss.
Gift Ideas That Make the Grade
Choosing the right graduation gift can be tricky, but a few thoughtful picks always stand out. Sentimental gifts like custom photo books capture every milestone, while practical presents, like a sturdy leather tote, a set of luggage, or a smart mug, help grads tackle their next adventure. For something with a personal touch, a GraduatePro Diploma Frame with Tassel Holder gives them a way to show off that hard-earned diploma.
Looking for a little fun? A trivia game or a “Things They Don’t Teach You in School” board game brings laughter to any grad party. For the foodie, a charcuterie board set or an air fryer is both trendy and useful. If you want to keep it classic, an Amazon gift card always fits.
For those moving out or starting new jobs, practical gifts like a home repair toolkit or a personalized docking station help grads stay organized. A custom map poster of Santa Clara or their college town is a sweet reminder of home, wherever life takes them.
Local Spots for Memorable Photos
Graduation photos are keepsakes for life. Santa Clara County is full of beautiful backdrops:
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Mission Santa Clara de Asís: The mission’s arches and gardens are a classic choice.
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Japanese Friendship Garden in San Jose: Lush greenery and peaceful ponds set a serene scene.
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Santana Row: Urban vibes and twinkling lights make for lively group shots.
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Los Gatos Creek Trail: For nature lovers, the bridges and water views are perfect for cap-and-gown photos.
Cheers to the Class of 2025
Santa Clara County is bursting with pride for its 2025 graduates. From the first day of kindergarten to the final walk across the stage, every step has led to this moment. Celebrate with family, friends, and a little local flair; you’ve earned it. Here’s to new beginnings, unforgettable parties, and memories that last a lifetime.
Sources: goodhousekeeping.com, foryourparty.com, santaclara.santaclarausd.org, scu.edu
Header Image Source: RUT MIIT on Unsplash
