California State University, Stanislaus will hold the class of 2013 commencement ceremony in the amphitheater May 31. This year’s speakers will include Interim President Dr. Joseph Sheley, Associated Students Inc. (ASI) President Shanice Jackson and student speakers Katie Billiet at 8:30 a.m. (Bachelor of Art English) and Patrick Akin at 12:30 p.m. (Bachelor of Science Biology).
Both Billiet and Akin were chosen to speak as representatives of the student body after trying out as commencement speakers in front of a panel.
All candidates had to submit an application, as well as a copy of their speech. Billiet shared her experience on being chosen to speak at the morning commencement.
“I had to present it to a panel of judges from a bunch of different departments through a semi-final and final round,” Billiet said. “It was a rollercoaster. It’s so much scarier speaking in front of seven or eight pairs of eyes than a huge crowd. But I say that now, let’s hope I feel the same way on May 31.”
Akin also expressed his relief following the panel process, as well as his feelings on being chosen.
“Speaking at the ceremony for me is a huge honor,” Akin said. “Being a first generation college student and coming from a poor background with education always being of the utmost importance in my upbringing, I felt that all my work, sacrifice and dedication was worth something.”
Other graduates are feeling equally anxious for the ceremony, but also confident in their achievements.
“I am really excited to graduate, and I think it will be a beautiful ceremony,” Nicole Jenkins (senior, Business Finance) said. “Stanislaus has prepared me well for the next chapter in my life. Being part of the honors program has given me many opportunities and connections that will help me in my future.”
Akin also spoke well of the education CSU Stanislaus has provided him.
“CSU Stanislaus is becoming a more respected university and I, along with this year’s class members and previous classes, I feel, are setting standards for those that come after,” Akin said. “My time here has been nothing short of an adventure, but one that I would repeat.”
Graduates in the College of the Arts and Humanities and Social Sciences will have their commencement ceremony Friday, May 31 at 8 a.m. Those graduates in the College of Business Administration or College of Science will have their commencement ceremony Friday, May 31 at 12:30 p.m.
“CSU Stanislaus would like to honor all of our Golden Grads on this 50th anniversary of their graduation, including those who are joining us at commencement as well as those who could not attend but have permitted us to acknowledge their names,” Jill Tiemann-Gonzalez, Commencement Coordinator and Student Conduct Administrator, said.
Candidates are encouraged to attend one of the graduation rehearsals, scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 and 10 a.m. Thursday, May 30 in the amphitheater.
As the countdown to graduation continues, Billiet took a moment to reflect on her time at the university.
“My time at Stanislaus has been such a journey,” Billiet said. “I don’t think I would have had the confidence to speak in front of so many people if I hadn’t landed my job in Housing. I’ve grown so much as a person and I owe a significant portion of it to my experience there.”
Akin shared similarly sentimental notions towards graduation day, looking back on his time at CSU Stanislaus.
“All graduates have ended this part of our lives, but I feel the most exciting part is yet to come,” Akin said.
“To know that we have learned about our world and ourselves is the most gratifying part.”