Dominican University of California’s 2025 graduating class shows how higher education can spark real community service and social change. Two standout graduates, Azan Yousaf and Sizi Rios, are about to get their diplomas this Saturday in San Rafael.
They blend academic excellence with civic engagement. Their stories show how Marin County students use their education to tackle healthcare inequities and help their communities.
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First-Generation Success Stories at Dominican University
This weekend, Dominican University will celebrate 372 graduates. About a quarter of them are first-generation college students.
For many families in Marin County, this isn’t just a personal milestone. It’s a big step forward for their entire family tree.
From San Marin High to Healthcare Innovation
Azan Yousaf, 21, went to San Marin High School in Novato and is now a pre-med graduate. He’s already worked to improve healthcare access.
His senior project tackled a real problem facing undocumented residents in Novato, San Rafael, and all over Marin County. “I designed a medical records system using artificial intelligence that protects undocumented patients’ identities while preserving their complete medical histories,” Yousaf explains.
“This lets vulnerable people seek care without worrying about exposure.” Yousaf didn’t just stick to biology at Dominican—he mixed in social justice coursework, too.
This interdisciplinary approach helped him get into Dartmouth College, where he’ll focus on healthcare policy. He wants to address the deep-rooted inequities that hit marginalized communities in places like Marin City and the Canal district.
Community Connections Drive Educational Purpose
Dominican’s educational approach really values connecting academic work with real community needs. Many students find their purpose by getting involved with Marin County organizations.
Canal District Roots Inspire Healthcare Leadership
Sizi Rios, a bilingual graduate of San Rafael High School, grew up in the Canal neighborhood. Her personal experiences have shaped her academic and career goals.
Throughout her time at Dominican, Rios stayed involved with local organizations like:
For her senior project, Rios did a deep dive into Play Marin’s impact on youth in Marin City. Her research was so meaningful that she got invited to present at the Society for Epidemiologic Research conference in Boston.
“Growing up in the Canal district, I saw firsthand how community organizations can change lives,” Rios says. “I also noticed the barriers that pop up when healthcare leadership doesn’t reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.”
Rios plans to keep going at Dominican, aiming for a master’s degree in business administration for health executives. She wants to see more diversity in hospital leadership and better healthcare access for underserved people across Marin County, from Sausalito to Fairfax and everywhere in between.
Dominican’s Legacy of Service-Oriented Education
This Saturday, a new group of graduates will cross the stage in San Rafael. They carry on the community-focused education that has shaped Dominican University for years.
Their stories show how Marin County’s colleges aren’t just making career-ready professionals. They’re also turning out citizens who want to tackle the region’s toughest issues.
Some graduates work to improve healthcare access in Mill Valley. Others focus on youth development in Corte Madera or fight systemic inequities in Tiburon.
People like Yousaf and Rios show what happens when education and community service come together. Their efforts spark real change in Marin County—and honestly, maybe even beyond.
Here is the source article for this story: Dominican graduating seniors pursue dreams through altruism
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