Christine Stonecypher receives Metzger/Geiger Award at Commencement

Christine Stonecyher, who aspires to start a business with her identical twin sister and fellow graduate, Kimberly, received the Metzger/Geiger Award during the first day of the 49th Annual California State University, Stanislaus Commencement ceremonies today (Friday, June 5).

 

Stonecypher, who commuted to CSU Stanislaus with her twin sister from their family’s ranch near the San Joaquin County community of Lockeford to earn Business Administration degrees, received the special award as the student with highest academic achievement and a grade point average that exceeded 4.0 perfection.

 

Having transferred to CSU Stanislaus from Stockton’s San Joaquin Delta College two years ago, Stonecypher said her professors have made a lasting impact on her life as mentors and friends. Her hope is to find a job where she can make a positive difference in the lives of those in need. Stonecypher noted that it is very important to her to give back to the community for helping her and to provide support for individuals who want to continue their education. She and her sister enjoy working together and Stonecypher said being partners in a business that they haven’t yet decided on would be a dream job for both of them.  

 

The J. Burton Vasche Award, which goes to the student who displays the highest standards of leadership, cooperation, participation, service, and scholarship, will be awarded at Saturday’s program.

 

California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner was the keynote speaker at the opening Commencement program today, challenging students to achieve the so-called impossible with a speech titled “Take A Risk.”

 

CSU Stanislaus President Dr. Hamid Shirvani presided over the program in the University Amphitheatre as skies remained friendly after an early-morning rain on the campus. He encouraged the graduates to play a key role in rebuilding the strength of our nation.

 

The University will confer bachelor’s and master’s degrees on more than 2,200 students this year. Graduates from the Colleges of Business Administration, Human and Health Sciences, and Natural Sciences received their degrees today and those from the Colleges of the Arts, Education, and Humanities and Social Sciences will march to the stage on Saturday.

 

Student speaker Kasie Rozario, a Child Development major from Rocklin who also played on the women’s soccer team for four years, spoke today about “making a difference.” Saturday’s student speaker will be Aimee Sims, an Economics major from Modesto and a graduate of Manteca High School who will talk about “living adventure.” Singing the national anthem and University alma mater was Monica Errington-Hull of Woodland who is graduating with a Music Degree in Vocal Performance.