ANAHEIM, CA – North-West College (NWC) and Glendale Career College (GCC) will host its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Anaheim Convention Center, bringing together graduates from North-West College, Glendale Career College, and the Marsha Fuerst School of Nursing for one of the most meaningful and defining milestones in their educational journey.
The ceremony will honor students who have successfully completed career focused training programs in health care, celebrating not only their academic achievements, but the perseverance, sacrifice, and determination it took to reach this moment. For many graduates, commencement represents a life changing step forward, opening the door to stable, purpose-driven careers and new opportunities for themselves and their families.
This year’s commencement will feature keynote speaker Sheriff Don Barnes, the 13th Sheriff of Orange County. Sheriff Barnes began his law enforcement career in 1989 and was elected to his current role in 2018. He leads nearly 4,000 sworn and professional staff across a wide range of operations, including patrol, criminal investigations, the county’s crime lab, court services, and one of the largest jail systems in the nation.
Sheriff Barnes has been widely recognized for his leadership on initiatives focused on crime prevention, school safety, addressing homelessness, combating cyber threats, and reducing the impact of drugs in local communities. In addition to his leadership in Orange County, he serves as President of the California State Sheriffs’ Association and holds national roles focused on homeland security and intelligence, helping to address complex public safety challenges such as human trafficking, transnational crime, and cybercrime.
“Commencement is more than a ceremony. It represents transformation,” said Mitchell Fuerst, President of North-West College. “Our students come to us with goals and determination, and they leave with the skills, confidence, and purpose to build meaningful careers. We are incredibly proud of our graduates and all they have accomplished. Having Sheriff Barnes join us as our keynote speaker brings an added level of inspiration, as his career reflects the leadership, service, and commitment to community that we hope our graduates carry forward.”
Held at the Anaheim Convention Center, this Commencement will bring together over 5,000 people comprised of graduates, families, faculty, and staff for a powerful celebration of achievement, resilience, and new beginnings. The event reflects NWC’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for careers that not only support their futures but also strengthen the communities they serve.
About North-West College
Founded in 1966, North-West College has been committed to helping students build brighter futures through career-focused education. For 60 years, the College has provided students with practical pathways to long-term career success through hands-on training, supportive instruction, and programs designed to align with real-world workforce demand.
With campuses across California—including West Covina, Pomona Valley, Van Nuys, Riverside, Anaheim, Long Beach, South Gate, San Diego, and Bakersfield—as well as in Provo, Utah, North-West College offers short-term career training programs in healthcare, skilled trades, and other essential industries. To date, the College has graduated tens of thousands of students who have gone on to strengthen their communities and raise the standard of excellence across a wide range of professions.
For more information about North-West College, please visit www.nw.edu.
