For Stan State’s graduating Class of 2018, today is the first day of the rest of their lives. Many undergrads look forward to the day that they will no longer have to write essays, buy textbooks, or stress about finals. But, for the Class of 2018, today is much more than that. Commencement represents a celebration of accomplishments and achievements, trials and tribulations, hardships and triumphs, all culminated to this exciting and emotional day.

Graduates

“I have accomplished my four years of college and I’m ready to go out there and take the next step to teach elementary school,” said Cecilia Hernandez, who is graduating with a degree in Liberal Studies.

According to data from Institutional Research, approximately 73% of Stan State’s student population is the first generation in their family to attend college. For these students and their families, this accomplishment is an even greater source of pride and joy. Some students wore a special sash to recognize and celebrate their first generation status.

“I am a first generation graduate. I have a big family and my uncle was the only person that’s graduated so far, that was a year or two ago, and he was also from Stan,” said Cynthia Garibay, who is also graduating with a degree in Liberal Studies. “So I’m the next one.”

Families

Graduation is perhaps even more emotional for the parents and families who watched their loved ones grow up, who guided them through both difficult and joyous times, and are now with them to celebrate this momentous achievement.

Lupe Arroyo expressed how proud she is of her niece, Daniela Sepulveda, who is graduating with her Bachelor of Arts. “That’s something to be very proud of, she accomplished something,” Arroyo said.

Robert Carlos came to commencement to celebrate his goddaughter, Jasmine Renteria. “She’s a hard worker, she’s dedicated, she’s awesome,” he said.

Friends

Many undergraduate students were also in attendance at Commencement 2018 to support their friends, family, and loved ones.

Haley Steele attended to see her friend, Megan Lavilla, graduate with a degree in Communications Studies.

“We met last semester in our Comm class. It was the hardest class probably, but we pushed each other through it,” said Steele. “I’m excited to be here to support her and see her finally make her dream come true.”

Ishmael Samad was at Commencement to celebrate his best friend, Claudia Carranza. “It’s been a long journey for her, she did it all by herself, and I’m just very proud of her and I want her to know I love her,” he said.

“I’m here for my best friend in the whole world, my baby boy Alejandro Fernandez,” said Maggie Gonzales. “I just taught him how to drive, he just got his driver’s license, I gave him my car that I learned how to drive in. So now he’s going to drive home to LA and I’m going to miss him a lot. We share a bond that will last a lifetime.”

Speeches

President Junn gave a powerful speech to the Class of 2018 thanking them for their hard work, congratulating them on their accomplishments, and encouraging them to continue to succeed.

Junn started by specially recognizing the first generation students who are graduating with the Class of 2018. “We are so proud!,” she said. “You have proven that you are truly outstanding pioneers and future leaders of your communities and of your region.”

She then went on to thank the campus faculty and staff that made it possible for students to succeed. “Students, you would not be here without the generous support and high quality education provided to you by your truly brilliant, dedicated, and superb faculty,” she said, adding that staff are “dedicated, caring, and accessible, and often go the extra mile to assist students.”

The President then shared three metaphors with the Class of 2018: The head, the heart, and the hands.

She explained that the head symbolizes students’ minds. “College is more than just learning and memorizing facts; more than accumulating knowledge; more than reading more books,” she said, explaining her hope is that a degree has transformed the way graduates learn.

“There should be no question that you now see and approach the world in completely different ways,” said Junn. “Whether you realize it or not, you now possess so many new skills, dispositions, and habits of the mind that were shaped by your experiences here at Stan State, both inside and outside the classroom. So welcome and celebrate your brilliant new minds!” 

The metaphor of the heart represents, to graduates, the love and support that helped them achieve their goals, explained Junn.

“Graduating students, you sit on the shoulders of your parents, your family, your friends,” she said. “It is a truism that all families do have their ups and downs, but today, your parents, friends, family celebrate and cheer you on.” 

President Junn encouraged students to share their gratitude and love with their parents, friends, family and loved ones who helped them with this momentous achievement.

Junn then explained how hands “symbolize the act of giving back and serving others with kindness.” She encouraged graduates to use their morals and ethics to guide them in their future endeavors.

“Remember to never forget to be kind to one another. Kindness will always keep you connected to a greater sense of humanity,” she said.

The President closed her speech by recognizing the Central Valley region that students came from and will now go on to contribute to.

“I may be your university President, but you know what? You are my heroes,” she said, explaining that students are “forging new destinies and pathways for yourselves, your families, and your communities.”

“Go out there, shake up the world, and make us proud. Congratulations, rock on, and bravo Class of 2018!” said President Junn.