Mount Tamalpais College

08/27/2026

Prior to arriving at San Quentin, Mount Tamalpais College Valedictorian Evan Aguilar had only ever participated in college correspondence courses while incarcerated. It wasn’t until he enrolled at MTC and began taking in-person classes that he felt like a real college student.

Watch Aguilar’s full Valedictorian Address to learn more about what sets MTC apart: https://www.mttamcollege.edu/2026-commencement/

Video produced by R.J. Lozada.

08/25/2026

In his new OpenLine essay, “Experience of an Unfinished Journey,” Kevin D. Sawyer reflects on how a Mount Tamalpais College journalism course renewed his plan to pursue graduate study.

Sawyer traces his path from writing for San Quentin News to his admission to UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, exploring persistence, self-determination, and the impact of in-person college education.

Read the full essay: https://www.mttamcollege.edu/experience-of-an-unfinished-journey/

08/18/2026

For 2026 Salutatorian Bobby Moody, attending college inside San Quentin provided the opportunity to study Alzheimer’s disease, which has deeply affected his family. Through his future research, he hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of the disease—and one day see a cure.

Watch Moody’s full Salutatorian Address: https://www.mttamcollege.edu/2026-commencement

Video produced by R.J. Lozada.

08/14/2026

In 2000, the first students of the College Program at San Quentin earned their associate degrees. Since then, over 200 graduates have followed in their footsteps.

In the words of one of this year’s graduates: “I am more patient now, more curious, and far less certain of any of my own conclusions. That uncertainty is not weakness; it is the beginning of wisdom.”

Get to know the most recent Mount Tamalpais College graduates by exploring our 2026 Commencement coverage: https://www.mttamcollege.edu/2026-commencement/

08/04/2026

Mount Tamalpais College student Charles Crowe remembers Eva Diez, an volunteer faculty member who passed away in February 2026.

Adapted from a speech Crowe gave at San Quentin’s 2026 Mourning Our Losses Ceremony, the piece honors Eva’s compassion, intellect, and lasting impact on MTC students.

Illustration of Eva Diez by MTC student Robert Kuikahi.

Read the full tribute: mttamcollege.edu/remembering-eva-diez/

07/31/2026

We’re excited to share these upcoming events featuring Mount Tamalpais College alumni!

Life & Life: Film Screening & Conversation
🗓️ Thursday, August 6, 2026, at 6:30pm
📍 The New Parkway Theater, Oakland
🎬 Organized by our friends at UnCommon Law, this film follows MTC alumnus Reggie Austin, a jazz musician and former UnCommon Law client who spent 35 years in prison before being granted parole. Austin will join UnCommon Law Executive Director Keith Wattley for a conversation following the film.
🔗 Learn more and purchase tickets: https://www.uncommonlaw.org/20th-community

Formerly Incarcerated Speaker Series: Brian Asey Gonsoulin
🗓️ Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00pm
📍 Alcatraz Island
🎙️ Organized by MTC alumnus Troy Williams in partnership with the National Park Service, this installment features MTC alumnus Brian Asey Gonsoulin, a multimedia producer and justice reform advocate whose experience includes work with KALW Public Media’s Uncuffed Podcast, the San Quentin Film Festival, and Back to the Start. The event is free, but attendees must purchase a ferry ticket from City Cruises.
🔗 Learn more and register: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=F804C898-FD5C-0709-419D71EF6EC482C2

07/28/2026

Henry Frank had a life sentence and believed he would die in prison. Today, he is living a life he never even dreamed of—he is a free man, a Mount Tamalpais College graduate, an accomplished artist and Communications Director at the William James Association, a loving husband, and a community leader who provides inspiration to incarcerated individuals, returning citizens, and many others.

Watch Frank’s full Keynote Address: https://www.mttamcollege.edu/2026-commencement/

Video produced by R.J. Lozada.

07/24/2026

“As an immigrant, I’m safer in San Quentin than if paroled.”

In an article published by the Los Angeles Times, current MTC student Edwin E. Chavez reveals the difficult reality facing incarcerated immigrants who become eligible for parole but risk being transferred directly into ICE custody.

Drawing on his own experience and that of his older brother, Chavez examines the painful contradiction between rehabilitation at San Quentin and the threat of detention, deportation, and further incarceration after release.

Read the full article: latimes.com/opinion/story/2026-03-15/california-parole-ice-deportation

Under California law, I would be handed over to ICE and probably sent to El Salvador to face life in CECOT. And so I have stopped seeking parole.

07/22/2026

Join us in celebrating the Mount Tamalpais College Class of 2026.

On June 12, nearly 200 people gathered in the San Quentin chapel for the College’s 2026 Commencement ceremony. Guests included graduates' family and friends; MTC faculty, staff, and trustees; and San Quentin staff.

Experience the celebration through photo and video highlights: mttamcollege.edu/2026-commencement

06/22/2026

NBA Champ for the Golden State Warriors and philanthropist Festus Ezeli recently visited Mount Tamalpais College at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, where he met with incarcerated students and Public Information Officer Lt. Guim’Mara Berry, who provided a tour of the prison.

During the tour, Festus visited the new San Quentin Learning Center and spoke with students in a college English class, where they told him about the rigor of MTC's college program, the challenges they face, and the importance of sharing their stories with the world.

He also spent time with students in their housing units, on the yard, and in the Media Center, where San Quentin residents work as journalists or as music, film, and podcast producers.

We’re grateful to Festus for taking the time to visit, listen, and engage with the MTC community.