Commencement Ceremonies May 18-19

San Marcos, CA – More than 3,500 students are expected to graduate from California State University San Marcos this month, making the Class of 2018 the largest graduating class in CSUSM history. The University’s 27th annual commencement ceremonies are Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19.

Notably, 54 percent of the graduating students are the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree and 39 percent of graduates identify as underrepresented minorities.

CSUSM will award three honorary degrees during commencement ceremonies:

• Esther and Jan Stearns will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters during the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences ceremony at 9 a.m. May 18.
• Lydia Villa-Komaroff will receive a Doctor of Science during the College of Science and Mathematics ceremony at 5:30 p.m. May 18.
• Jimmy Wayne will be awarded a Doctor of Fine Arts during the College of Education, Health and Human Services ceremony at 9 a.m. May 19.

Esther and Jan Stearns have been longtime supporters of ACE Scholars Services, a CSUSM program that works to transform the lives of foster youth through higher education, and continue to advocate strongly on behalf of CSUSM for access to higher education and its impact on the quality of life for former foster youth. Villa-Komaroff, a renowned molecular biologist, was a key member of the team that showed for the first time that bacteria could be induced to produce insulin. Wayne is an award-winning country music artist whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.

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 about two hours.

Social media users can follow CSUSM Commencement posts by students, faculty and staff by searching for #CSUSM2018. All five commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on the day of the event on CSUSM’s website and through the CSUSM mobile app.

More information on CSUSM’s Commencement Ceremonies is available online.

What: CSUSM hosts its 27th annual commencement

Who: Approximately 3,500 candidates are expected to participate in the ceremonies

When:

Friday, May 18, 2018

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

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

5:30 p.m. – College of Science and Mathematics

Saturday, May 19, 2018

9 a.m. – College of Education, Health and Human Services

1:30 p.m. – College of Business Administration

Where: Mangrum Track and Field, California State University San Marcos, 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos

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 18 and 19 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.

About California State University San Marcos

Building on an innovative 28-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 nearly 17,000 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.