More than 3,000 graduates from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) participated in commencement ceremonies at the Toyota Arena in Ontario on May 16 and 17. The event included graduates from both the Palm Desert and San Bernardino campuses, with family, friends, faculty, and staff in attendance.
University President Tomás D. Morales addressed the graduates, highlighting their achievements and emphasizing the historical context of their education. He acknowledged that many graduates were the first in their families to earn a college degree. "With this achievement," Morales stated, "you have broken a barrier and will now forever be a role model for siblings, relatives and future generations."
Morales also spoke about the history of California's indigenous First Peoples and subsequent waves of immigrants who shaped the region. He described California as having a rich heritage characterized by diversity. "As Californians, we are not one thing. Rather we are many. And that is our strength," he said.
Fajardo, a student government president who graduated with a bachelor's degree in administration, also addressed his peers. He noted the challenges faced by students balancing work and studies but emphasized perseverance: “This degree is not just a piece of paper; it is proof...that we belong in boardrooms, classrooms, hospitals...wherever our passion takes us.”
The university awarded honorary doctorate degrees to Paul C. Granillo and Mary Jane McCoy during the ceremonies. Granillo encouraged graduates to embrace unpredictability as an opportunity for growth: “It’s in uncertain times that creative thinking, perseverance and integrity matter.” McCoy urged graduates to pursue their dreams despite obstacles: “Chase your dream because it belongs to you to accomplish.”
Outstanding students from each college were recognized during the ceremonies:
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences: Jessica Fanene (Graduate), Lauren Pittman (Undergraduate)
- Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration: Monica Ybanez (Graduate), Justus Baker-Postell (Undergraduate)
- College of Natural Sciences: Walter Navarro (Graduate), Alaina O’Connell (Undergraduate)
- Palm Desert Campus: Jason Davalos
- College of Arts and Letters: Veronica Morales (Graduate), Katherine Posada (Graduate), Trisha Rose (Undergraduate)
- James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education: Marvin Espinoza (Doctoral), Marilyn Monroy (Graduate)
Recordings of all five ceremonies are available on YouTube via Online CSUSB.
The Palm Desert Campus continues its commitment to expanding access to higher education in Coachella Valley with plans for growth including a new Student Services Building.