It’s not often when an entire college campus has a graduation, but it happened on Monday when the California Community Colleges Board of Governors voted unanimously to recognize Madera Community College as the state’s 116th community college.

The vote comes only weeks after Madera College learned that it had been awarded initial accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

Madera is State Center Community College District’s fourth college, joining Fresno City, Reedley, and Clovis Community.

It had been operating as a community college center under the auspices of Reedley College since its first classes were held in 1985. The campus on 12th Avenue southeast of the city of Madera opened in 1996.

Go Mountain Lions

But now as a college in its own right, Madera is eligible for additional funding for programs and staffing and for students to participate in athletics competition. The college already has a mascot, the Mountain Lions.

“It has been my honor to work alongside students, faculty, staff and administrators to achieve this historic and great accomplishment for our campus and community,” said Madera Community College President Angel Reyna. “It has been a collective and collaborative effort, and I look forward to the continued work to better serve our students as a college.”

Oakhurst Community College Center will continue to work and share resources with Madera College.

Because all “graduations” deserve a celebration — there will be a “drive-thru” celebration from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday on the campus, following an 8 a.m. program in front of the administration building.