Notable Alumni of College of San Mateo

Jennifer Granholm 1959–

16th US Secretary of Energy, former Michigan governor

Also attended: University of California-Berkeley, Harvard University

Jeffery Cohelan 1914–1999

Six-term U.S. Representative from California

Also attended: University of California-Berkeley

Jerry Hill 1947–

Former California state senator

Also attended: University of California-Berkeley

Craig Venter 1946–2026

Geneticist who led early human genome sequencing

Also attended: University of California-San Diego

Spouse: Claire M. Fraser (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, University at Buffalo)

Spouse: Barbara Rae-Venter (University of California-San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin)

Dennis Haysbert 1954–

Actor, played President Palmer in 24

Also attended: American Academy of Dramatic Arts-New York

Kurtwood Smith 1943–

Actor known for That '70s Show

Also attended: San Jose State University, Stanford University

Lindsey Buckingham 1949–

Lead guitarist and vocalist of Fleetwood Mac

Also attended: San Jose State University

Sibling: Greg Buckingham (College of San Mateo, Stanford University)

Dana Carvey 1955–

Comedian known for Saturday Night Live

Also attended: San Francisco State University

Merv Griffin 1925–2007

Television host and media mogul

Phil Lesh 1940–2024

Founding bassist of the Grateful Dead

Jeanne Bates 1918–2007

Radio, film and television actress

Greg Proops 1959–

Actor, stand-up comedian and television host

Also attended: San Francisco State University

Paul Mantee 1931–2013

Film and television actor and writer

John Madden 1936–2021

Former Oakland Raiders coach and sports commentator

Also attended: University of Oregon, Grays Harbor College

Archie Williams 1915–1993

1936 Olympic 400 meter champion

Also attended: University of California-Berkeley

Jan Henne 1947–

Swimmer and Olympic champion

Also attended: Arizona State University-Tempe

Julian Edelman 1986–

Former NFL wide receiver with the Patriots

Attended until 2006

Also attended: Kent State University at Kent

Keith Hernandez 1953–

Former MLB first baseman

Greg Buckingham 1945–1990

Swimmer, Olympic silver medalist and former world record-holder

Also attended: Stanford University

Sibling: Lindsey Buckingham (San Jose State University, College of San Mateo)

John Wetteland 1966–

Former MLB pitcher for four teams including the Yankees

Scott Feldman 1983–

Former MLB pitcher

Guy McIntyre 1961–

Former NFL guard drafted by the San Francisco 49ers

Daniel Nava 1983–

Former MLB outfielder, played for the Red Sox

Also attended: Santa Clara University

Ed Roberts 1939–1995

Disability rights activist, father of independent living movement

Also attended: University of California-Berkeley