In 2025, Sac State’s College of Continuing Education [CCE] students achieved success as they worked toward their educational and career goals. Annually, CCE serves 72,000 learners through in-person, hybrid and fully online workshops, courses, conferences, certificate and degree programs. 

“At the College of Continuing Education, we meet adult learners where they are and help them get to where they want to be,” says Dr. Jenni Murphy, Dean of CCE. “Whether our students are returning after years away, shifting careers mid-life, or building new skills to advance professionally, we are here to support their goals. Their journeys inspire us every day, and for 75 years, CCE has been proud to be Sacramento State’s hub for transformation and opportunity.”

This article offers just a snippet of what some of those students learned as they developed skills in meaningful fields, gained confidence in their career pathways, and gained new perspectives along their lifelong educational journey. These students proved their exceptional commitment to learning and achievements. 

A Dedicated Father’s Commitment to Development

In 2025, Angel Infante graduated alongside his son, Mike Infante. After working in the corrections field for nearly 20 years, Angel decided to pursue a more meaningful career path, enrolling in CCE’s Emergency Medical Technician [EMT] program. 
Angel expressed interest in exploring further volunteer opportunities and continuing his studies to become a paramedic. He was also grateful to the people who helped him at CCE, instilling confidence that they helped him develop.

“In our class, we had students from all walks of life – high school seniors, college students, career changers. We built study groups, practiced hands-on skills, and encouraged one another every step of the way. That camaraderie was priceless,” Angel said, before also thanking his instructors. “They ensured we succeeded – not just in learning the material, but in developing confidence.” 

With CCE, Angel learned a new skill and stronger study habits. He also gained newfound confidence in his abilities and is proudly moving forward in the future along with his son and fellow alum. 

“This program opened my eyes to a new direction,” Angel said. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

An Award-Winning Student’s Commitment to Resilience and Humility

Bianca Esparaza is ready to step into the future confident and research-ready. In 2025, she was awarded the California State University Board of Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement, specifically, the CSU Chancellor Mildred García Scholar award. 
This award recognizes students for their “superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, and remarkable resilience in the face of challenges.”

That recognition came after joining CCE’s Second Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSAD2B) program, which she described as “the perfect fit”. Throughout her time at CCE, Bianca said she felt supported with resources, opportunities, challenges, and gentle encouragement from CCE professors. She also found a community of support within her cohort, regularly working with them to help so everyone can achieve their goals. 

After receiving her award, she told us about how her journey led her to CCE and some lessons she learned in 2025 that will guide her throughout her next academic endeavors. 

“My goal is to be prepared while embracing the fact that mistakes are part of the learning process. Overall, I hope to carry humility with me throughout my career and welcome opportunities for growth and continuous learning beyond my academic journey,” Bianca said. 

A Nonprofit Leader and Her Commitment to Her Community

Kesha Harris is the founder of July Forward, a non-profit organization in the Sacramento Region focused on mental health and wellness. 

Kesha enrolled in CCE’s Nonprofit Administration Certificate Program, looking for skills to further build July Forward and cement it as an organization that helps deal with the root causes of mental health while providing community mental health services. 

“I was eager to learn more about the formal tools in compliance, finance, and program development to create a stable structure that could resist being pulled off-mission by external funding rules,” Kesha said. 

She highlighted her time with CCE with teaching her the skills necessary to reshape July Forward’s management goals focus from one of organizational survival to impactful and lasting systemic change.

A Professional Commitment to Curiosity and Lifelong Learning

David Ishida first enrolled at Sac State in 1980, but his path to graduation was put on pause due to a career-focused relocation. 
Now retired, after having built a family and a successful career, David was eager to return to his goal and complete his degree. In 2025, his steadfast commitment to learning helped push him toward completing that goal.

A curious and inspired lifelong learner, David enrolled in CCE’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, where he found reliable encouragement and support in CCE’s staff. He was excited to learn from instructors with real-world experience in criminal justice. 

“Because of their experiences, they were better able to provide me with information and examples that were based on reality, not just recitations from a textbook,” David said. “I am truly indebted to the CCE advisory staff. They were always available to provide swift and accurate answers to all of my concerns. They made my progression through this program a trouble-free and efficient process from start to finish.”

Studying Abroad and a Commitment to New Connections

Ana Elizabeth Munoz had an empowering experience with CCE’s Faculty Led Study Abroad program.

Joining the program to explore her interests in both health and culture, Ana journeyed to Costa Rica and Guatemala alongside CCE educators, where she studied Central America’s healthcare systems and how they intersect with culture and tradition. Of Guatemalan heritage, Ana felt empowered experiencing her family’s country of origin through a lens of personal learning.

She described the experience as eye-opening, grateful that she was able to learn directly from real-world experiences.

“Visiting local clinics and hospitals and speaking directly with medical professionals gave me a new perspective on healthcare access, prevention, and community health,” Ana said. “It helped me feel more connected to my roots while strengthening my adaptability and global awareness.”

Looking Ahead to Learning In 2026

As CCE looks ahead to 2026, its commitment to accessible, high-quality learning continues to grow. On behalf of Sacramento State’s academic departments, the College of Continuing Education served more than 3,200 adult learners in the 2024–2025 academic year alone, administering seven undergraduate degree completion programs, 10 graduate programs, and more than 60 credentials, certificates, professional certifications, exams, licenses, travel study experiences, youth programs, and other courses.

These programs reflect CCE’s role as a vital bridge between the University and the community—supporting learners at every stage of life as they build skills, earn degrees, and pursue meaningful personal and professional growth. 

In 2026 and beyond, CCE remains focused on expanding opportunity, fostering innovation, and empowering learners to shape their futures through education.