Stanislaus State will celebrate the Class of 2025 during the University’s 65th Commencement, held Tuesday, May 27, through Friday, May 30, in the University Amphitheater.
More than 3,000 degree candidates and credential recipients will be honored during Commencement. The University expects to welcome nearly 20,000] graduates and guests across four ceremonies. All events will be livestreamed, with viewing links available on the University’s Commencement webpage.
Many of this year’s graduates are first-generation college students, continuing Stan State’s tradition of educational access and social mobility.
This year’s celebration marks a special milestone for President Britt Rios-Ellis, who will preside over her first Commencement at Stanislaus State since beginning her tenure as president in July 2024.
Rios-Ellis reflected on Commencement as a profound milestone for students, families and the region.
“Commencement is a time of immense pride, not only for our graduates but for everyone who has walked alongside them on their journey,” Rios-Ellis said. “The Class of 2025 represents the promise of a brighter future — one shaped by knowledge, perseverance and a deep commitment to uplifting our communities.
“We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and excited to see how they will lead, inspire and contribute — here in the Central Valley and beyond.”
Gates to the Amphitheater open at 7:30 a.m. daily, with the processional starting at 8 a.m. each morning. The ceremony schedule by college is as follows:
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Tuesday, May 27 – College of Science
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Wednesday, May 28 – College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
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Thursday, May 29 – College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work
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Friday, May 30 – College of Business Administration
During the Tuesday and Wednesday ceremonies, the University will confer honorary doctorates to two extraordinary individuals with deep ties to the Central Valley and a legacy of educational and community impact: José Hernández and his father, Salvador Hernández.
José Hernández — a former NASA astronaut, the first migrant farmworker to go to space and a longtime advocate for STEM education — will be honored during the College of Science ceremony.
Salvador Hernández — who spent decades supporting his family while working in the Central Valley’s agricultural fields — will be honored during the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences ceremony.
Each will offer brief remarks to graduates as part of their conferral.
Student speakers will also take the stage to represent their graduating classes. Speakers for each ceremony are:
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College of Science - Brenda Vega, from Ripon, Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences
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College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences - Carla Arauza, of Modesto, Bachelor of Arts in History
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College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work - Ambrosia Johnston, from Modesto, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
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College of Business Administration - Tiare Danby, of Merced, Master of Business Administration
In addition to student speakers, the University will recognize several graduates for their academic achievements and contributions to the campus community.
Paola Campos, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, is this year’s J. Burton Vasché Award recipient — the University’s highest honor for a graduating senior. Campos, of Ceres, is also one of three students receiving the Metzger-Geiger Award, which recognizes academic excellence and the highest GPA of the baccalaureate class.
The other Metzger-Geiger honorees are:
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Haley Renee Burdo, a psychology major from Walnut Grove
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Sharlien Bernadet Envieh, of Turlock, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture
As they cross the stage, this year’s graduates carry forward Stan State’s legacy of transformation, opportunity and empowerment for California’s Central Valley.
