CSUSM Commencement Ceremonies: May 19-20

San Marcos, CA – More than 3,300 students will graduate from California State University San Marcos later this month, making the Class of 2017 the largest graduating class in CSUSM history. The University’s 26th annual commencement ceremonies are Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20.

Notably, 54 percent of the graduating students are the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree and 38 percent of graduates identify as underrepresented minorities.

CSUSM will award an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree to Joanne Tawfilis at 9 a.m. Friday, May 19. Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees will be awarded to Roberta Achtenberg at 1 p.m. Friday, May 19 and Cecil Steppe at 4 p.m. Saturday, May 20.

Tawfilis, who has partnered with CSUSM on numerous projects, has dedicated her life to promoting peace through art. Achtenberg, a member of the CSU’s Board of Trustees for 16 years, helped establish the CSU Institute for Palliative Care, which is based at CSUSM. Steppe had a distinguished career working for the County of San Diego, garnering a reputation as someone who could bring together myriad county departments, schools, agencies and private-sector organizations to share in the responsibility of providing social and health services to families.

More than 25,000 total guests are expected to attend the five ceremonies held on Mangrum Track and Field at CSUSM. Each ceremony will last approximately two hours.

Social media users can follow CSUSM Commencement posts by students, faculty and staff by searching for #CSUSM2017. All five commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on the day of the event at csusm.edu/commencementlive and through the CSUSM mobile app.

What: CSUSM hosts its 26th annual commencement

When:

Friday, May 19, 2017

9 a.m. – College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences

1 p.m. – College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences

Saturday, May 20, 2017

9 a.m. – College of Business Administration

1 p.m. – College of Science and Mathematics

4 p.m. – College of Education, Health and Human Services

Where: Mangrum Track and Field, California State University San Marcos

333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos

Who: Approximately 3,300 candidates are expected to participate in the ceremonies

Traffic: Traffic congestion and backups can be anticipated in the area and surrounding streets, especially along South Twin Oaks Valley Road, the 78 Freeway, Barham Drive and Craven Road. University Police and the Sheriff’s Department will be directing and controlling traffic flow along South Twin Oaks. Motorists should expect traffic delays; graduates, families and friends are advised to plan accordingly to arrive on time. Broadcast Media: Any mention that can be made regarding expected traffic delays during broadcasts on May 19 and 20 would be greatly appreciated.

Media: Contact: Eric Breier, 760-891-6455

For easy access to the ceremony site, media are asked to park in Lot Z, which is located at South Twin Oaks Valley Road and Campus Marketplace.

For more information on CSUSM’s Commencement Ceremonies, visit csusm.edu/commencement

About California State University San Marcos

Building on an innovative 27-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange Counties.

The University enrolls over 15,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014—a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion—CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.