In CSU Stanislaus’s 63rd Commencement Ceremony, 3,000 proud graduates walked the stage this year to join a family of nearly 60,000 Stan State alumni.
For their 2023 Commencements, all Warriors received warm congratulations and inspiring words from administration, professors, and faculty alike.
Of these speakers, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Richard Ogle kicked off each ceremony with a land acknowledgement to the Yokut peoples and thoughtful welcome to Stan State graduates.
“You represent the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance,” he said, “You have overcome numerous challenges and obstacles to reach this moment and you should be immensely proud of your accomplishments.”
After his speech, Dr. Ogle then welcomed President Dr. Ellen Junn, who kicked off her speech by greeting those watching the ceremony via livestream while holding out her selfie stick, asking the crowd to welcome the viewers with a wave.
Dr. Junn also gave many thanksgiving to the graduates, their parents, staff, administrators, and our local communities alike, and was especially thankful for the beauty of our campus.
“Our campus is truly an opulent gem here in the Central Valley and in the state of California,” said Dr. Junn.
She continued by elaborating on the value and core of experiencing first-hand what it is to be a Warrior.
“It is now embedded into your DNA,” she proclaimed.
Junn encouraged students to embed service into their life with integrity and kindness.

She concluded her speech with, “As many of you know, I announced my plans to retire after the end of this academic year, so these are my final commencement ceremonies in which I’ll preside as President of the University. I participated in many commencements throughout my life and my 39 years in higher education, but I will always remember this one with special fondness.”

The College of the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

On May 25th, the College of the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences rose with the sun as students, families, faculty, and staff gathered this morning while the graduates of 2023 headed toward the stage.
Walking with the sun, Stan State Warriors found themselves feeling bubbly, nostalgic, excited, and impressed with their accomplishments thus far.
Aiyanna Lockett (English) shared her enthusiasm about finishing up the spring semester strong.
“I was looking forward to graduating the entire time, that’s what kept me truly motivated. I’m going to miss the pretty campus and the walks to class,” she said.
After graduation, Lockett will be moving to Kansas, onto new things in hopes of obtaining a teaching job.
“I feel like I really did it,” said Lockett.
David Magallanes (Bachelor of English and Spanish) related to feeling accomplished and complete.
“I feel like the four years spent here are finally coming together. “It’s a nice feeling. I know that I’m a role model for my younger siblings,” said Magallanes.
Stephanie Ortiz (Sophomore, Music) performed the Star-Spangled Banner and the CSU Stanislaus Alma Mater.
Brooke Leal (Criminal Justice) found herself excited and ready to be done with school.
Leal shared, “I enjoyed being an athlete playing soccer and winning the CCA championship along with running track.”
Her mother, Catherine Leal, teary-eyed said, “I feel so overwhelmed. I’m consumed with pride.”
Leal’s aunt and uncle, Eric and Christine Arel added, “We feel proud to be here. We’re excited to watch her next journey, we know it isn’t her last.”
Matt Ramirez (Criminal Justice) explained how graduating feels to him.
He said, “Graduating feels weird and surreal. If I can do it, anyone can do it.”
Accompanied by his aunt Lina Dimas and father, Martin Ramirez, they both held their heads high and watched their loved one cross the stage.
Dimas shared, “I am beyond proud. It’s been hard lately. I want him to continue all the way—to be successful, to have a family, and pursue his education.”
Continuing, the College of the Art, Humanities, and Social Sciences’ Student Speaker, Brianna Sanchez (Communications Studies) addressed her fellow graduates with empathy and sincerity.
Sanchez told the story of the most difficult decision she made in her life where she had to choose between a well-paying job, an internship that would lead to her dream job, or studying abroad.
This decision came to her immediately following the death of her only brother. She felt a responsibility to help her parents financially, but she had a mentor pull her towards what she knew was right for her.
“I had a mentor tell me, ‘You will always have opportunities come your way, but let the choices you make today, be the choices you can live with tomorrow,’” she said.
She opened up about how somebody from a small town like her could only dream to see the world, and that this decision might have been her only moment to make that dream a reality.
“I decided to study abroad instead of staying because all my life, as a first-gen student, I had always put my education and my responsibilities first,” she said.
Rather than follow the traditional path, Sanchez made her priority to open herself up to new experiences and gain new stories to tell. She makes it clear that she does not regret her decision.
Sanchez ended by encouraging her classmates to smell the roses and take in every little moment.
With that said, the celebration began as students get called one by on and made their way on over to the next voyage of their journey.
Lesley Fuentes (Art History) shared her plans after graduation.
“I feel proud and ready for the next phase of my life. Studying abroad provided me with a plethora of opportunities, and because of my experiences, I’ve found love through traveling.”
Her mother, Idania Fuentes hugs her closely adding, “Es la primera que logro y espero que siga adelante.”
Jivanna Norton (Sociology) revealed that she had never been on-campus before due to COVID-19 and the opportunity for online learning. She expressed that she felt relieved because completing college had felt like a long time coming.
Norton discussed the exciting next step in her life.
“I have an interview on Monday as a Case Manager, so hopefully that pans out!” she said.
College of Business Administration and the College of Education, Kinesiology, and Social Work
On the afternoon of May 25th, students from both the College of Business Administration and the College of Education, Kinesiology, and Social Work filed in with their families to be honored for their hard-fought achievements and receive their diploma.

One of these graduates, Michelle Grant (Liberal Studies) felt relieved for this step of her life to be over with and proud to be entering the Multiple Credential Program here at Stan State. She has ambitions to be an elementary school teacher.

“I believe that kids make us better people, especially with how they view the world,” she said.

Grant’s father, Paul, got choked up when he described what it meant for him to see his very own daughter following in his footsteps.

“I’ve been teaching for 26 years and it is a challenge and a privilege,” he said, “I have no doubt in my mind that my daughter will go far. She’s got that teaching thing. I’m happy she’s found what she loves to do.”

Another graduate, Alexis Macias, reflected on the milestones and memories that Stan has provided for many.

“I’m going to miss Warrior Wednesday, Warrior Day, and the Student Center the most. The people, friends and close connections I’ve made in ASI all feel like a really close knit community. It’s definitely enhanced my student life at Stan,” Macias said.

She plans to continue working with the San Francisco 49ers.

“I plan to take all the knowledge that I learned from Stan into my career,” she added.

When all of the graduates from the two colleges had taken their seats and the Provost and President Junn had given their speeches, Dr. Junn presented two Honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters to the father and son entrepreneurs Evan and Norm Porges.

President Junn described Evan and Norm Porges as “champions for the economic and social health of the Central Valley of California.”

She explained that the two had started Prime Shine, the largest privately-owned car wash service in California, with 20 facilities in the area. She also addressed their numerous philanthropic efforts to better the social equity of the Central Valley.

Evan Porges first took the stage and described the trials and tribulations of starting a successful business.

“We are not that special,” he said, “What we did is see an opportunity. We made a plan, we took a risk, and then worked harder than the rest.”

“We sacrificed a lot of personal time,” he continued, “We shed some blood, sweat, and tears. I did all of ’em. We got up early and stayed up late. In short, we focused on being the very best and never cared about how much money we could make.”

Norm Porges followed up his son with a speech about his many failures and how he had to work past them. He describes failing out and being academically suspended from the University of Denver before eventually clawing his way back and graduating with honors 58 years ago.

Norm then described the attitude that made him the wrong fit for most jobs.

“In my corporate work world, I was fired three times, not for cause, but I was a wrong fit. Apparently I was too entrepreneurial,” he said.

It was this entrepreneurial spirit that led Evan and Norm to make Prime Shine a success.

Krishan Malhorta (Business Administration), the VP of Legislative Affairs for the California State Student Association and the Student Speaker for both colleges, was then called to the stage. He proceeded to congratulate the graduates on their success and the obstacles they’ve overcome.

“I want to give a round of applause to all you graduates again for sitting here today, because you all have proven that you have the resilience, the tenacity, and the drive to overcome barriers and be the change makers and the visionaries that our world so desperately needs,” he said.

Malhorta then introduced ASI President Destiny Suarez to the stage who described the many battles ASI fought so the student body could have the college experience they deserved.

“We worked hard, very hard, to get clubs back on-campus, to have in-person classes, and to have campus life active again,” he said.

Suarez then thanked the students for letting her represent them and gave way to the calling of names and presenting of degrees, and as the sun set, so did this phase of these graduates’ lives.

The College of Science
CSU Stanislaus’s 63rd Commencement Ceremony filled the arena with proud, hopeful, and inspired spectators, drawn in to watch their Warrior graduates walk the stage.
The College of Science received bubbly and bright congratulations from administration, professors, family, and friends.
Nida Hanif (Psychology) expressed the feeling of being indebted when reflecting back on all her fond memories of Stan State.
“I love and will miss the professors, environment, and the connections I’ve made,” she said.
She explained that she is the first woman in my family to get a bachelor’s degree.
“I feel like a big girl, and at peace”, she said, “After graduation, I plan to get married along with pursuing my master’s.”
As graduates squirmed in their seats with excitement, joy, and accomplishment beamed on their faces and shined through their smiles.
Daniel Wilson (Psychology) shared, “This all feels so surreal.”
“Earning this degree means a lot,” he said, “ I went from not walking in high school to being first-gen. I think the younger version of myself would be so proud.”
Wilson plans to be a school psychologist. He enjoys working with students in improving their mental health and hopes to come back to obtain a master’s degree.
As the ceremony proper began, congratulations came from Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Richard Ogle as he propelled Friday morning’s ceremony into action.
With land acknowledgment to the Yokut people and a warm welcome to Stan State graduates, the commencement ceremony proceeded with President Dr. Ellen Junn, who gave way to the Student Speaker, Nina Leiden.
Leiden addressed her fellow graduates with resilience and hope.
She stated, “Through adversity, and hardship, sometimes mixed with moments of joy, you have persevered and arrived today at this moment of celebration. Congratulations.”
As she began her speech, she explained that ten years ago, she flunked out of her very first local community college. She explained that after that experience, she decided that college wasn’t for her.
While the seasons changed and life moved forward, Leiden revealed, “Not finishing my degree has always been my biggest regret. Fast forward to today, ten years, two amazing kids later, I knew it was time to finish what I had started in 2009.”
She ended her speech with a few takeaways, some of which include always seeking progress and change.
She also advised to never hide any knowledge and to constantly seek the wisdom and stories of those around.
With Leiden’s words being soaked up by the sun and audience, students began to celebrate.
Jennifer Vega (Psychology) said, “I’m excited. I’ve been waiting for this moment. I feel fulfilled, peaceful, and happy.”
Out of 22 cousins, Vega is the first to graduate from higher education.
“Some advice that I would like to give to upcoming graduates,” she added, “is that it’s so worth it–all the struggles, frustrations, finals, and difficult professors.”
Vega plans on returning to pursue a degree in counseling.
Standing aside, a dear friend and fellow graduate, Joana Cruz-Mercado (Psychology) emphasized the bittersweet moments that the two are feeling.
“I don’t feel like I’m graduating,” she explained, “A part of me still feels like I’m going to school again.”
Cruz-Mercado shared that she is also a first-generation college student.
“I even made my family cry this morning with my cap. Earning this degree means obtaining a better life for my siblings and me,” she said.
With their families showing their immense support, they had much to say about their loved one who’s crossing the stage.
Myra Pish, mother of Jamie Phish (Nursing) shared, “It’s been amazing journey. To see her self esteem grow, it’s been incredible. She will always be my little girl who touches everyone without realizing how special she truly is.”
Pish embraced her daughter and said, “This means everything. This means the world.”
Diana Noguez (Biology) expressed how happy she feels about graduating.
“I’m going to miss having a purpose in completing my bachelor’s degree,” she said, “Receiving my diploma means that all my family’s hard work was worth it.”
Moses Martinez (Computer Science) walked towards the stage and explains what graduating truly means to him.
“I’m excited about this because it means financial freedom,” he exclaimed.
After graduating Martinez will be starting an internship over at Gallo, hoping to be hired full-time.
Hannah Escobar (Criminal Justice) is excited and nervous to graduate, but she had the support of all her family in the crowd.
She shares, “I plan on attending Grand Canyon University (GCU) to earn my Master’s degree.”
The mother of Daisy Gonzales-Carillo (Psychology) opened up about how she felt seeing her daughter cross the stage.
“Me siento orgullosa,” said Norma Carillo, “Espero que encuentra bien trabajo y que le vale la pena su estudio.”
Sergio Perez (Counseling) graduated as well, and strives to improve the lives of others while keeping their mental health in mind.
With joyful tears, Perez’s family gestured towards the pin of Sergio’s mother who joined him in spirit during the ceremony.
Sergio stated, “It’s something my mom did, my brother and sister graduated as well. I just hope that I can use it to my niece to continue getting her education. To pursue whatever dreams and whatever ambitions they have. It’s possible as long as they put their mind to it.”
With the calling of names and presenting of degrees, the students of Stan State will carry their college experience wherever they go, enhancing their spirit and endless Warrior pride.