Conrad Genest

President Britt Rios-Ellis congratulating College of Science graduate

CSU Stanislaus’s 65th commencement celebrated more than 3,000 graduates, welcoming nearly 20,000 attendees across four ceremonies.

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Richard Ogle kicked off the ceremony with a land acknowledgment, thanking the Yokut Nation.

“Graduates, we are here the day you have envisioned, worked for and earned is finally here,” he said.

He then introduced Kiara Taylor, who is earning her bachelor’s degree in music education, to perform the national anthem and Stan State’s alma mater.

Following the performance, Ogle concluded his remarks by welcoming President Britt Rios-Ellis to the stage.

“Commencement, without doubt, is my greatest honor,” she said.

During her speech, she asked family and chosen family to please stand and thanked them.

“Muchismas gracias,” she said, “Thank you for believing in the brilliance of all the graduates you see before you.”

President Britt Rios-Ellis gave an encouraging speech to the graduates.

“What I believe the world needs now more than ever is compassionate, intelligent, courageous leaders, and that, graduates, is exactly what you are,” she said.

Rios-Ellis then finished her speech with some kind parting words.

“So, to the outstanding graduates of 2025, congratulations to each and every one of you,” she said, “Adelante guerreros, Warriors. I am so looking forward to the great things you are going to accomplish.”

The College of Science

Graduates from The College of Science all gathered together nervously and excitedly in front of the Bizzini Hall building as they checked in and prepared to walk the stage and earn their bachelor’s or master’s.

Daniel Palomino, graduating in Psychology, felt a mixture of emotions.

“A mixture of excitement and nervousness,” he said he felt, “I don’t know where the nervousness comes from, but it’s there.”

Although he was nervous, he gave a few words of advice for people looking into majoring in psychology in the future.

“Just stick to the books, ask the professor, ask your friends, ask the people in class, you really only get one shot at college and make friends for a lifetime,” he said, “So make the most of your resources around you.”

Rachel Hamilton, also graduating in Psychology, says her post-graduation plans consist of work.

“Work. Work, work, work. I have a job right now. I’m a RBT [registered behavior technician], it’s not technically for my major, but I can use my degree in it,” she said.

She also shared what was most memorable about college for her.

“Most memorable moment—being stressed and crying and wanting to pull my hair out,” she said.

Monica Navarro, a Psychology graduate and a first-generation college student, shared her emotions as well.

“I’m more nervous, to be honest,” she said. “I feel literally so amazing, so grateful, like so fortunate, so privileged, I can’t even describe the words honestly.”

Monica has plans to sign up for nursing school after graduation.

In the College of Science ceremony, Jose Hernandez Moreno received the honorary doctorate of this year. Coming from a humble background, he gave a very inspirational speech and shared the “five-ingredient recipe” he learned from his family.

“Find your goal, find your answer in life,” he said. “Second, recognize how far you are from the goal. Third, you gotta draw yourself a roadmap from where you know you’re at, to where you want to go. Fourth, you’re doing it already, you have to prepare yourself for the challenge you’ve picked in life. Fifth, give more than what people expect out of you.”

Dana Nakano, Speaker of the Faculty, spoke next and shared some advice for the College of Science.

“Be generous with each other, with our knowledge, our skills, our hearts. As you prepare to leave this campus you know you are not leaving Stan State, we are your community and we will always be a part of it,” he said.

Amber Pon, a transfer student from Sierra College in Rocklin, CA, gave some words of wisdom for students who are only now entering college.

“I transferred from Sierra College in Rocklin, and I came here for soccer. So I was on the women’s soccer team,” he said. “Get through college. I mean, I would say as a JUCO product, I know a lot of JUCO people don’t finish out after JUCO, and I have to say like, continue to push yourself to get that four-year and get your degree and don’t let anyone stop you.”

Amber described her journey in reaching graduation here at Stan State.

“It was definitely different, it showed me a lot of different sides of myself that I never knew I had, and it allowed me to explore myself and push myself to become the student I am and the person I am,” she said.

Melinda Pon, Amber Pon’s mother, also shared a few words about her daughter’s success.

“Yes, I’m very proud of her journey here,” she said. “Very proud of what she’s accomplished here. Very proud of her academics and her athletic time here and Stan State and looking forward to what’s next.”

Dalila Camacho, graduating in Psychology, is a transfer student from San Joaquin Delta College in Stockton, CA who also provided some valuable insight.

“I would say just keep going, and I think that, like, the support around you makes it 10 times, like, better and easier for you,” she said. “So I would just say keep going, and time will fly by, like, very fast.”

“The staff is really helpful. I think just in anything you need, you can always just count on anybody on the staff and they’ll help you with anything,” she said.

Logan Byrum, a Psychology graduate, looked back on his journey and accomplishments alongside his parents.

Logan Byrum’s parents, April Byrum and Keith Byrum, drove in from Kingsburg, CA, which is a 4-hour drive, to watch their son walk the stage.

“It’s been a great community just being here and getting to know everybody,” said Logan. “Everybody was super supportive and just wanted to see you succeed.”

April and Keith Byrum also shared their thoughts on their son’s achievement.

“We’re super proud. Super proud. Yeah, it’s been a good place for him, and he’s made a lot of good friends and learned a lot,” said April Byrum.

“So it’s been a good school, and just, really proud that he made it through it,” said Keith Byrum.

April Byrum ends off by saying, “We’re excited to see what the future holds.”