CSUSM Celebrates 18th Commencement

CSUSM Celebrates 18th CommencementThere were smiles, cheers and lots of photographs taken as the Class of 2009 graduates took the ceremonial walk across the stage, signifying the completion of their college degrees. They were greeted by President Karen S. Haynes who offered a congratulatory handshake to each of those completing graduate and undergraduate degrees."We leave the classrooms and hallways of this University to enter a world that sorely needs us," said James Fields, a graduating senior and the afternoon ceremony commencement speaker. "Yes, it's true that we face harsh realities and tough odds today. It would be easy to give in to fear. But our education has taught us to take the long view. Learning is all about changing and growing."Michael Zepeda, a first-generation American double majoring in Communications and Women's Studies, addressed the graduates during the morning ceremony, "Today is the day to tell yourself that you are a college graduate. You have committed to something greater than yourself, and after years of hard work and dedication, it is now your time to celebrate!"Approximately 1,800 graduates participated in the two ceremonies, including the first cohort of nursing graduates who earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.  They will go on to join the over 21,000 CSUSM alumni making a difference in the region and beyond.