It is time to walk the stage, move the tassel to the left, and celebrate!
Thousands of Cal State LA students, with family and friends cheering them on, will cap off years of hard work and scholarly achievement with Commencement at the Shrine Auditorium this week.
“As a graduate of Cal State LA you are now and forever a part of this university’s legacy. We Are LA!” said President Berenecea Johnson Eanes. “Whatever steps your journey took, you have demonstrated tremendous resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to your futures. This is your chance to be transformative. It’s time for you to fly. Brighter futures and broader horizons await you.”
President Eanes made the remarks during the first of nine Cal State LA Commencement ceremonies.
More than 5,500 students were expected to participate in the university’s nine college-based Commencement ceremonies from Monday, May 19, to Wednesday, May 21. Graduating students were automatically assigned to a ceremony based on their college, department, and major.
“As stewards of your place, and your time, and your own agency, please let me ask you to remember that you must thrive and capitalize on this wonderful investment in your education. Remember to enjoy the journey,” President Eanes said.
The Class of 2025 consisted of 6,501 students, with 5,255 receiving bachelor’s degrees, 1,215 master’s degrees, and 31 doctoral degrees.
“I had a very good overall experience [at Cal State LA],” said Alison Nagahiro, 21, who received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. “I got a lot out of my classes. The counselors here made it easy to help me get the right classes and move through things smoothly.”
Many of this year’s graduates began their college careers during the pandemic and had to navigate additional challenges unseen by previous generations.
They first had to adapt to online learning and then recalibrate a second time upon their return to a classroom setting.
“There was definitely an adjustment period,” said Nagahiro, who started at a community college before transferring to Cal State LA. “My first two years, everything was online and we had to do all the work from home. Once I came to Cal State LA, it was a lot of hours [at evening classes] after a day at work. It was difficult.”
Stephanie Arrendondo, 22, who received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Accounting, said she did not have a proper graduation ceremony after completing high school at the height of COVID-19 in 2020. She was looking forward to walking across the stage.
“I’m so excited, but also nervous. I don’t know what to do,” she said. “I’m here and I can’t believe it. It’s such an accomplishment for myself.”
About 40,000 guests were expected to share in the students’ achievements during the three-day event at the Shrine Auditorium, the historic downtown venue that is hosting Cal State LA’s Commencement for the first time.
This year, Cal State LA and the Board of Trustees of the California State University system will award honorary degrees to three internationally recognized champions of education during the ceremonies.
Biotech industry leader and philanthropist Kevin Xu will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the 9 a.m. ceremony on May 20.
Later that day at the 5 p.m. ceremony, Ken Jeong, an actor comedian, producer, writer, and AAPI community advocate, will be conferred with an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts.
Jo Koy, one of today’s premiere stand-up comedians, will be the recipient of an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts during the 1 p.m. ceremony on May 21.
As she wound down her welcoming remarks, President Eanes had one final message to the graduates.
“Whether supporting future students, engaging in service, or driving positive change, we will always welcome you home,” she said. “And please, please, please stay connected. I often tell many of my students and my mentees, it’s a very short ride where you are and where you are going to be… Remember once a Golden Eagle, always a Golden Eagle.”
Each ceremony will be livestreamed on the Cal State LA website and YouTube channel.
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 24,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.
