A Tradition of Excellence: Congressman Josh Harder Joins UEI Stockton for Graduation
In Stockton, graduation isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a community-wide celebration of the workforce of tomorrow. On April 10th, the UEI College Stockton Class of 2026 was joined by a very familiar face: Congressman Josh Harder.
For the fourth time, Congressman Harder stood with our graduates, reinforcing his commitment to the students and the essential roles they are prepared to fill throughout San Joaquin County.
“What Stockton Needs Right Now”
Congressman Harder’s presence at our ceremonies has become a tradition we cherish. He doesn’t just attend; he speaks directly to the value of the technical and vocational training our students have mastered.
During his address, he emphasized that the graduates aren’t just moving into new jobs—they are answering a call for help from their own neighbors.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to our graduates on behalf of our community here today. Because what you’ve studied through these modules is exactly what Stockton and San Joaquin County needs right now,” the Congressman shared.
Celebrating Persistence and Value
The road to graduation isn’t always easy, and the Congressman took a moment to acknowledge the grit it takes to reach the finish line.
Key takeaways from Congressman Harder’s speech:
- The Power of Persistence: He noted that this is an event he looks forward to all year because it celebrates the values of “hard work and persistence.”
- A Call to Service: He encouraged the graduates to use their newfound skills to “make sure that our community becomes a better community for all of us to live in.”
- Gratitude for Support: He reminded students to thank the family and friends in the audience who helped them reach this milestone.
Local Leadership in Action
The support for our Stockton graduates didn’t stop at the federal level. County Supervisor Paul Canepa also attended the ceremony, delivering his own congratulatory remarks to the Class of 2026.
His attendance was a direct result of a recommendation from Admissions Representative Chris Thompson, highlighting how every member of the UEI team—from admissions to faculty—works tirelessly to connect our students with the leaders who shape our community.
Your Journey Starts Here
At UEI Stockton, we are proud to be the bridge between talented students and a community that needs their skills. Whether it’s in healthcare, trade, or business, our graduates are leaving with more than a diploma—they’re leaving with the backing of their local and national representatives.
Congratulations to the Stockton Class of 2026! You’ve done the work, you’ve earned the honors, and we can’t wait to see you make Stockton shine.



