On a day rich with meaning and milestones, Stanislaus State celebrated graduates from the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (CAHSS) and conferred an honorary doctorate to former farmworker Salvador Hernández — a moment made even more meaningful as his son, former NASA astronaut José Hernández, joined President Britt Rios-Ellis in hooding him during the University’s 65th Commencement.
Held in the University Amphitheatre, the ceremony honored the achievements of students across a wide range of disciplines, from art and English to music, theatre and ethnic studies. Thousands of family members, friends, supporters and faculty cheered on the graduates, while others tuned in via YouTube to watch the celebration in English and Spanish.
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In her second day of Commencement ceremonies at Stan State, Rios-Ellis praised the transformative power of the arts, humanities and social sciences.
“More than 71% of you are the first in your family to graduate from college. Today you stand on the dreams and aspirations of your ancestors, and you are in excellent company,” Rios-Ellis said. “You represent the heart, the soul and the great minds of California’s future. Your creativity, advocacy and narratives will shape how our communities see themselves and how our country moves ahead. You are the visionaries of a future that is more just, more inclusive and truly reflective of who we are.”
Rios-Ellis noted the diversity of the graduating class, with students representing the Central Valley and countries around the world. She celebrated the spirit that defines both the University and the region.
“This is my very first Commencement at Stan State, and what an incredible year it has been,” she said. “I often see the words ‘Valley Tough’ and to those words I would add two more: Valley Kind. My husband Enrique and our children have found Central Valley residents to be the kindest folks on the planet.”
Rios-Ellis closed with a call to courage: “As we look ahead, we do so knowing that we are living in a complex and challenging time. But I believe — now more than ever — that what the world needs is courageous leaders. And that, graduates, is exactly who you are.”
The ceremony then turned to a moment of perseverance and legacy. At 87 years old, Salvador Hernández received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his contributions as a father, mentor and role model. Born in Michoacán, Mexico, Salvador left school after third grade to help support his family and later migrated to the United States, where he spent decades working in the agricultural fields of California — all while encouraging his children to pursue an education.
His son, José Hernández, received an honorary Doctor of Science during Tuesday’s College of Science ceremony. On Wednesday, he attended the ceremony to hood his father in a moment that underscored the family’s enduring legacy of tenacity, sacrifice and opportunity through education.
After his hooding, Salvador gave remarks in Spanish, which were translated for the audience by Rios-Ellis, who stood beside him as José looked on from the stage.
“I never imagined having the opportunity to speak to such a distinguished group, especially to the graduates of the Class of 2025,” he said. “This message comes with a lot of heart.”
He credited his wife as the pillar of their home and emphasized that his children succeeded because they were surrounded by a loving and united family. When asked how his children earned college degrees, Salvador said he simply offered “a lot of good advice… and a very special receta.”
The receta he shared with his son Jose when he told him at age 10 that he wanted to be an astronaut: Set a goal, prepare with intention and work as hard at your studies as you would in the fields. His son’s journey to NASA — accepted on his 12th application — became an ultimate lesson in perseverance.
“I never thought someone like me would receive an honorary doctorate, much less from California State University, Stanislaus, in the heart of the Central Valley where I’ve spent most of my life,” Salvador said. “For this I am so grateful to all of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
When Salvador concluded his remarks, the graduates rose in a standing ovation.
The spirit of gratitude and reflection continued as Carla Arauza of Modesto delivered the student address and reflected on the graduates’ collective journey and personal growth.
“Every choice that we have made in our lives has led us to this pivotal morning where our undergraduate journeys officially come to an end,” said Arauza, of Modesto. “Whether your plans include graduate school, entering the workforce or any other endeavor, I know everyone here is full of potential and has a bright future on the horizon.
“For all the graduates here today, don’t forget to thank those who are important to you today. Most importantly, be grateful to yourself; in the end, it was your own hard work and dedication that has brought you to this moment in time.”
She closed with a message of encouragement for her fellow graduates: “As the next phase of life approaches, many of us may be unsure about what comes next, experiencing uncertainty about the future. My advice to my fellow graduates is to always believe in your abilities. I want to share a quote with you that my mother has often told me: ‘Whether you think you can, or think you can’t, you’re right.’”
As the celebration continued, the University also recognized student achievement. Sharlien Bernadet Envieh, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, was honored with the Metzger-Geiger Award, given to the graduating student with the highest undergraduate grade-point average based on coursework completed at Stanislaus State.
This year’s Commencement recognizes more than 3,000 degree and credential recipients and is expected to welcome more than 20,000 guests across four ceremonies.
Ceremonies continue Thursday, May 29, for the College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work, and Friday, May 30, for the College of Business Administration.
