Cheers and tears for the first day of commencement

CSU Stanislaus’s 66th commencement celebrates nearly 3,000 graduates and over 200 credential candidates across four ceremonies.

To start off the first ceremony on May 26, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Richard Ogle welcomed the crowd of graduates and attendees. Ogle opened with a land acknowledgement, thanking the Yokut people before speaking to the graduates.

“Let us begin this celebration with a round of applause for you. The exceptional, resilient, and inspiring Stan state class of 2026,” he said.

After a performance of the Star-Spangled Banner and the Stan State Alma Mater, sung by Nolan Jackson who was accompanied by Diego Bustamante, President Britt Rios-Ellis addressed the crowd.

“Today marks the pinnacle of all you have poured into this journey. Your time, your talent, your persistence, your belief in yourselves and your ability to achieve something greater,” President Rios-Ellis said.

After continuing to express her gratitude to the families of graduating students, President Rios-Ellis gave an encouraging speech to the graduates at the event.

“You study disciplines that preserve culture, challenge injustice, and elevate truth. Through your creativity, advocacy and leadership, you will help shape communities that are more thoughtful, inclusive and reflective of who we are,” she said.

After her speech concluded, the speaker of the faculty, Dr. Arya Alami, encouraged students to go out into the community with curiosity and an open mind.

He reminded students that mistakes are a part of the learning process and to not be discouraged as they continue in their search for knowledge.

“Borrowing a quote from the show Ted Lasso who borrowed a quote from the poet Walt Wittman, ‘as you move on to the next chapter of your lives, be curious, not judgemental,’” he said.

His speech concluded by urging students to always strive towards growth as they continue on their paths.

The College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

The first day of commencement hosted many speakers with encouraging words for graduates who are entering a new phase of their life.

During the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Jacque Wilson received the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. In his speech, he encouraged students to believe in themselves.

“So class of 2026, as you prepare to leave this campus, when the world tells you ‘your dreams are too bold’, when they tell you that where you come from limits where you can go, when the doubters look at you and say ‘no’, I want you to look ‘em dead in the eye and say ‘watch me,’” he said.

The student speaker of the first day of commencement was Cheyanne Gaines who is graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. In her speech, she spoke about how she did not feel any uncertainty or disbelief, but instead, victory.

“The funny thing about victory is that it doesn’t always come with applause, confetti or awards. Sometimes victory looks like choosing discipline over comfort, faith over fear and purpose over doubt,” she said.

As graduates gathered in the quad, they gave advice to future students and reflected on memories of their time at Stan State.

Fernando Delgado (Political Science and Economics) reminisced on his college experience, relaying the mixed emotions he feels now that graduation has finally arrived.

“My favorite memory of college has been all the amazing people I’ve met. Which makes graduation a little bittersweet, leaving people behind that I’ve met that have made college so fun and enjoyable. But yeah, I would say that has been my most favorite part of college,” he said.

Muskaan Ali (English) spoke to current students attending Stan State, reminding them that it is important to work hard and build lasting connections.

“I would say to make the most out of your time here and keep working hard towards your goals. When I came to Stan, I had no idea I would become so close to campus while becoming a writing tutor sophomore year, and making good connections with professors really helps. Make good connections and treasure your time here,” she said.

Rebecca Sobrevilla (Communications) relayed how significant the people she has met along the way have been to her college experience.

“My favorite part of college was meeting so many great people. I’ve created so many friendships that will definitely last beyond college,” she said.

The day ended with cheers and tears, celebrating the individuals who have crossed the stage into their next chapter.

Despite changing from current students to alumni, President Rios-Ellis had a message for everyone in attendance.

“Always remember that you will forever be part of the Warrior family,” she said.

Stay tuned for more graduation coverage the rest of the week.

Contributors to this article: Kaihli Miner-Hill