Stanislaus State will celebrate its Class of 2023 during the University’s Commencement ceremonies in the University Amphitheater Thursday, May 25, and Friday, May 26.
This year, 2,988 graduates and 373 credential recipients will be honored during three ceremonies held over two days. All three ceremonies will be livestreamed, and the viewing links will be available on the University’s Commencement webpage.
This year, graduates will enjoy the return of all Commencement traditions — a processional, walking across the stage as their names are announced and faculty members in their academic regalia as they cheer and celebrate their students’ achievements. Some of the traditional Commencement rituals were paused for the 2021 and 2022 ceremonies due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“We are looking forward to celebrating our outstanding Class of 2023 and are excited to share this incredible milestone with our graduates, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate from college,” said Stanislaus State President Ellen Junn. “It is a monumental moment not only for them but for their families as well.”
This year’s ceremonies are especially poignant for Junn, as they will be her last as president. Junn announced earlier this year her plan to retire this summer after serving seven years as president and a 39-year career in higher education. During her tenure, Stanislaus State achieved numerous achievements, including being named among California’s Top 10 universities by MONEY Magazine in 2022 along with Stanford University, UCLA and UC Berkeley.
“I’ve worked at five other CSU campuses during my career, but Stanislaus State will always hold a special place in my heart,” Junn said. “As I prepare to embark on my own new beginning, I’m filled with immense pride to see our students ready to face the world equipped with the knowledge and wisdom they have gained during their time as Warriors.”
The festivities begin 8 a.m. Thursday, May 25, with the ceremony for the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. The College of Business Administration and College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work will hold a joint ceremony the same day at 4 p.m.
During the Thursday afternoon ceremony, the University will recognize father and son community leaders and philanthropists Norm and Evan Porges by conferring its highest honor, the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. The Porgeses will address the graduates with brief remarks during the ceremony.
On Friday, May 26, the University will host graduates from the College of Science during a morning ceremony starting at 8 a.m.
Student speakers also will address their fellow graduates. Communication studies major Briana Sanchez will deliver remarks during Thursday morning’s ceremony, and Krishan Malhotra, who is earning a Master of Business Administration, will speak during the afternoon event. Nina Lydon, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, will speak during the Friday morning ceremony.
Media interested in covering commencement must register to gain entrance to the ceremonies. Please email Donna Birch Trahan in Communications and Public Affairs to register. The deadline for media registration is noon Wednesday, May 25.
Visit Stanislaus State's Commencement website for additional information.
