Traditional in-person ceremonies return to CSUCI
By Nancy Covarrubias Gill
CSUCI celebrated commencement with four in-person ceremonies held over two days on Saturday, May 20 and Sunday May 21 at the South Quad of the campus.
This year marked the return of traditional commencement ceremonies held since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020. The 2020 ceremony was entirely virtual and in 2021 a hybrid drive-up/in-person ceremony was held on campus.
Thousands of parents, families, and friends cheered for more than 2,500 graduating students who received bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and credentials, during the morning and afternoon ceremonies.
Honored staff members were selected by President Richard Yao to ring the Navy ship bell signaling the beginning of the commencement ceremonies. Debbie Anaya, a Senior Cashier at Islands Café, rang the bell at the Saturday ceremonies, and Karen Gundelfinger, Executive Assistant to the Provost, rang the bell at the Sunday ceremonies.
The Light of Learning symbolizes the University’s commitment to the life of the mind and the central role played by outstanding faculty. The Honorary Marshal who carries the Light of Learning is selected by the President as an administrator or faculty member who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to students and the University. Debra Hoffmann, Library Head of Public Service & Outreach (Emeritus Faculty), was selected to carry the Light of Learning for the Saturday ceremonies, and Merilyn Buchanan, Professor of Education (retired), was chosen to carry the Light of Learning for the Sunday ceremonies.
President Yao and graduating students Christian Sandoval, B.A. Psychology; Paulina Mata, B.A. Communication; Riley Atrops, B.S. Chemistry; and Oliver Abinader, M.A. Biotechnology, provided remarks during the four ceremonies.
During the Saturday morning ceremony, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters was awarded to Jeffrey T. Green, Founding CEO and Chairman of The Trade Desk (article on page 22). At the Sunday morning ceremony, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters was awarded to Peter J. Taylor, President of the Educational Credit Management Corporation Foundation (article on page 23).
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© Spring 2022 / Volume 27 / Number 1 / Biannual