College of Business Administration takes center stage on the final day of Stan State’s 66th annual commencement

On the fourth and final day of Stanislaus State’s 66th annual commencement, graduates from the College of Business Administration took center stage, marking the culmination of their academic journeys and the beginning of exciting new opportunities ahead.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Provost Richard Ogle, President Rios-Ellis, Speaker of the Faculty Arya Alami, student speaker Yasin Ayat and former Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) President Eryka Darlyne Lepper.

Ayat, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, began her speech by greeting faculty, families, friends and her fellow graduates. She reminded the Class of 2026 that commencement is not an ending, but rather a start of a new chapter.

“This may seem like an ending but it is truly a beginning,” Ayat. “Each of us took a different path to get here, we balanced responsibilities, faced setbacks and pushed through moments of doubt and yet every one of those experiences led us to this day.”

She continued by reflecting on life’s unpredictability and the lessons that come with it.

“But life has a way of surprising you, it humbles you, stretches you and sometimes leads you on paths that you’ve never expected to walk on,” she said.

Ayat also took time to reflect on her personal journey and the motivation that helped her persevere through challenges.

“They saw the long nights and stressful days, but they also became my reason to keep going, and I know that resonates with all parents graduating today,” she said. “Your kids may or may not fully understand what this day means yet, but one day they’ll look back and realize they’ve witnessed strength, sacrifice and determination in real time.”

She concluded her speech by encouraging graduates to embrace uncertainty and trust in their abilities.

“The future will not always seem certain, but we have learned how to face uncertainty with bravery. So as we leave here today, take chances, trust yourself, step into opportunities even if you don’t feel completely ready,” she said.

After Ayat’s remarks, she introduced former ASI President Eryka Darlyne Lepper.

Lepper opened her speech by expressing gratitude to faculty, staff, family, friends and loved ones, acknowledging their support throughout the graduates’ academic journeys.

“It was your support and belief in our graduates that brought us to this moment,” Lepper said. “And in a time like this we are reminded that our lives are lived in minutes and moments.”

She then reflected on the lessons learned during the past four years at Stan State.

“If these last four years taught us anything, let it be this, life doesn’t follow a perfect plan, but it’s with this uncertainty that we experience our greatest growth and where some of the most meaningful parts of our stories were created,” she said.

Lepper encouraged graduates to take pride not only in earning their degrees, but also in the personal growth they experienced along the way.

“Today we should be proud we are graduating college, but also proud of the journey of discovering our why,” she said. “So don’t wait for everything to be perfectly figured out, take the risks, chase the goals, manifest the dreams and be present for both the big and small things.

She concluded by expressing confidence in the Class of 2026 and their ability to navigate the future.

“I know without a doubt class of 2026 we are ready to bend and warp reality to our will. Not because we have all the answers but because we’ve recognized how to keep going without them,” she said. “Congratulations class of 2026, we did it!”

Kaci Davis, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in general business, shared advice for current and future students.

“Make connections, don’t be afraid to speak out and if you’re struggling with anything, ask questions,” Davis said. “You know, sometimes people are worried about speaking out. Don’t be scared to do that. It definitely helps out a lot.”

She also reflected on her favorite memories at Stan State.

“Right now is a really great memory, because I have all my family here and everything,” she said. “But honestly, just walking around campus, it’s such a beautiful campus and studying seeing all the geese. I would also say Warrior Day is a lot of fun. You can hang out with your friends, and it’s a big part of the end of the school year.”

Hani Elkpokai, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in computer information systems, also shared words of encouragement for students.

“Keep it going. It’s gonna be a long journey but you can do it. Just believe in yourself,” Elkpokai said. “That’s what I always say: Believe that you are unstoppable.”

Dezi Ortega, who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, offered similar advice.

“Keep trying because when you fail it’s not really failure, its lessons those mistakes is what teaches you to become a better person in the future,” Ortega said. “All it takes is for you to win once for you to do good in life. As long as you keep trying and pushing, something is bound to work.”

He continued by emphasizing the importance of perseverance through life’s challenges.

“You might go through phases. Life is like waves, where you’ll be at the bottom of the wave, but you just gotta survive and then you’ll be at the top of the wave,” he said. “You just have to be prepared for that so just keep pushing no matter what.”

Ortega also shared some of his favorite memories from his time at Stan State.

“Working for Student Affairs and Housing the people here are so nice they are so amazing. I love them!” he said. “Walking on that stage seeing all of them happy for me is so heartwarming because they believe a lot in you and everyone here just wants you to succeed.”

Contributors to this article: Kaihli Miner-Hill