Rain did not dampen the bright future of College of Education, Kinesiology and Social work graduates

The third day of Stanislaus State’s 66th annual commencement ceremony celebrated graduates from the College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work.

Despite the rainy weather, faculty, family members and friends gathered to honor the graduates’ hard work and dedication. Loved ones powered through the rain to watch their graduates walk across the stage and celebrate this major achievement.

The ceremony opened with Provost Richard Ogle, President Rios-Ellis and student speaker Jazmine Alexis Ramirez. Today’s ceremony cut out Speaker of the Faculty Arya Alami and ASI President Averie Stockeland for time sack as for graduates and guests were sitting in the rain.

Ramirez, walked today’s stage and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. She opened her speech by congratulating her fellow graduates.

“I wanna congratulate each of you graduates for reaching this milestone in your lives and careers,” Ramirez said. “This moment must be recognized for what it is a culmination of your hard work and the support you have received from community whether that be family friends or mentor.”

She continued her speech talking about love and the importance of love and how appreciative she is knowing the field of social work and education will be filled with people who love.

“As a future educator I know it does. Love for my future students, for my community, for others’ communities and what they contribute and what they teach me it guides me,” She said.

Ramirez continued by urging her fellow graduates to defend love.

“Sadly we live in a time where love is undermined by desires to control, to overpower and benefit oneself. Love is under attack and we are acting as the first line of defense,” she said. “Love without work is dead. So let this moment be an opportunity for you and I to take control to be catalyst for change so do not let your goodness, your compassion, your love be deaden by the obstacles we face.”

She ended off her speech by reminding her fellow graduates that they are an inspiration and love will never fail.

“You are your needs of change, you are an inspiration. You’re gonna change somebody’s life because love never fails,” she said.

Keeliana Sandoval, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies, shared advice for students still working toward graduation.

“My advice for students heading towards graduation would be to enjoy every moment and meet with your advisor because the time flies by quickly,” Sandoval said.

She also reflected on her favorite college memory, which was building connections with others in her major and celebrating graduation together.

“My favorite memory was meeting all of the people within my major and getting to graduate together,” she said.

Michael Angel, who graduated with credentials in Education Specialist Extensive Support Needs, encouraged students to persevere through challenges.

“My advice is to never give up even when it gets hard because everyone is capable of achieving your goals,” Angel said.

He also shared that the friendships he formed during college were his favorite part of the experience.

“My favorite memory is the friends I have made because they made college fun and encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone,” he said. “They are friends I will have for life.”

Contributors to this article: Vanessa Angel and Kaihli Miner-Hill