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Congratulations to the Class of 2026

From cutting-edge research to exploring new music to building community and fostering change, the College of Arts and Sciences Class of 2026 has made its mark at SCU. Read on to discover more.

Julissa Martinez

“I’ve always loved being a part of my community and being able to make the path a little bit easier for others.”

Madeline Patrick

Pre-med. Studio arts. At Santa Clara, Madeline Patrick ’26 didn't have to pick.

A'Zhae-Turay

A’Zhae Turay ’26 arrived at Santa Clara with one focus: engineering. What he discovered was a community that encouraged him to pursue all his passions.

Julia Islas Lozano headshot

Julia reflects on her work as a Child Studies major and her pursuit of graduate education in bilingual teaching.

Jazmin Rivera headshot

Sociology major Jazmin Rivera turned her experience as a transfer student into research and advocacy work aimed at making higher education more supportive and accessible for future students.

Jacklyn-Alonzo-Heredia

This triple-major, director of the Multicultural Center, and tireless community advocate is just getting started.

Katerina Gill and Grace Martinez headshots

SCU’s Classics and Ancient Studies Department goes beyond ancient texts, helping students build critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that prepare them for careers in law, politics, and beyond.

Gebrielle Pitre

Political science and ethnic studies major Gabrielle Pitre ’26 didn’t expect to find herself in the historical record, but that’s exactly what happened.

Jocelyn Madrigal headshot

Jocelyn Madrigal ’26 combined biology, research, and community to pursue a future in dental health.

Ximena Garcia-Isabelli heashot

Sofia ‘Ximena’ Garcia-Isabelli ’26 turned curiosity about the natural world into hands-on research and discovery.

Meagan Mitchell headshot

Senior Meagan Mitchell combined psychology and public health to better understand people and how to support them.

saron weldemariam headshot

A double major in sociology and political science, Saron will study international affairs in Germany.

jasmine vu headshot

Jasmine Vu '26, a chemistry major, will conduct research in Switzerland.

Cassi Bull heashot

A child studies and psychology double major, Cassi will teach English in Taiwan.

Megan Baldemor headshot

Megan will go abroad to conduct dementia and stem cell research.

Christian Barnard in vest and tie on stage for the production of The Games Afoot

Double major Christian Barnard ’26 explored political systems and cultural expression, finding meaning in both.

A female student wearing black standing in front of the Santa Clara Mission Church

Public health and psychology double major Nadia Lobo ’26 found purpose in accompaniment and a future in trauma-informed care.

Zara Farber headshot

Through hands-on clinical work, policy advocacy, and healthcare research, three SCU students are turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact in the fight for more equitable community health

Dylan Ryu

For history and communications double major Dylan Ryu ’26, four years at Santa Clara meant finding his voice and helping others find theirs.

Sophie Copple, Colin Smith, and Kayley Jensen

Undergraduate students across disciplines are turning curiosity into hands-on research that shapes careers, communities, and real-world impact.

Sarthak Dassarma outside OConnor Hall

For Sarthak Dassarma ’26, mathematics isn’t a set of rules to memorize—it’s a story, and the Putnam Competition is just his latest chapter.

Ximena De La Parra-Tostado in the dance studio.

As she prepares to take the stage for her senior showcase, Ximena De La Parra-Tostado ’26 shares the inspiration behind her original choreography.

Left to right: Professor Mike Hartglass, Sarthak, Professor Shamil Asgarli

Competing against 4,329 students nationwide, the Santa Clara mathematics major secured a Top 500 ranking in one of North America’s most rigorous undergraduate mathematics exams.

2 college seniors teaching a classroom of high schoolers

Megan Baldemor ’26 and Jasmine Vu ’26 tell young people that the key to a career in STEM is embracing all of your interests.

Assistant Professor Meaghan Deegan (right) loves mentoring her undergrad research assistants, like Derik Seymour ’26 (left) | Miguel Ozuna

Cottrell teacher-scholar award winner Meaghan Deegan balances cutting-edge research in synthetic compound stabilization with training the chemists of tomorrow.

Dylan Ryu headshot

Prof. Estruth sat down recently with Dylan Ryu, class of 2026, to discuss his journey and experiences as a History major.

Megan Baldemor ’26 and Samantha “Sam” Lei ’26

Megan Baldemor ’26 and Samantha “Sam” Lei ’26 have been named 2025 Goldwater Scholars, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduates in the sciences, mathematics, and engineering.

Emma Hatfield headshot

Through her REAL Program summer internship, Emma Hatfield ’26 combined her passion for social justice and neuroscience to support refugee families in Boise, Idaho.

Stella Cortese headshot

Through her internship at Tandem, Partners in Early Learning, Stella Cortese ’26 rediscovered the power of storytelling to captivate young minds and address societal issues, inspiring her to create impactful, diverse literature for children.

Samanta Lei and Elyse Kenyon

Water Climate Justice student researchers will work under the mentorship of Iris Stewart-Frey.

Annie Yaeger

Annie Yaeger ’26 presents research at professional conference

Ainsley Zapata headshot

This prestigious fellowship grants her the opportunity to participate in the Junior Summer Institute at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.​

Saron Weldemariam

LEAD Scholar Saron Weldemariam ’26 shares her journey as a first-generation immigrant from Eritrea to Santa Clara University.