Celebrating CSUSM's Largest Graduating Class
By Eric Breier
Cal State San Marcos celebrated the graduation of more than 3,500 students – the largest graduating class in CSUSM history – during the University’s 27th annual commencement ceremonies May 18-19.
Notably, 54 percent of the graduating students were the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree and 39 percent identify as underrepresented minorities.
“There is no way we would be here today, or even in this world, without a community,” said Laura Marquez, who graduated with a bachelor’s in criminology and justice studies. “Regardless of where we come from, what we have been through, our past does not define us.
“I came to CSUSM not knowing one person, and I now have a whole village beside me.”
CSUSM also awarded honorary degrees during commencement ceremonies to:
- Esther and Jan Stearns, who have been longtime supporters of ACE Scholars Services, a CSUSM program that works to transform the lives of foster youth through higher education;
- Lydia Villa-Komaroff, a renowned molecular biologist and a key member of the team that showed for the first time that bacteria could be induced to produce insulin; and
- Jimmy Wayne, an award-winning country music artist whose songs and story highlight his mission to raise awareness for children in foster care.
View the Ceremony Photo Albums on Flickr
College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 9 a.m.
College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 1 p.m.
College of Science and Mathematics
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
College of Education, Health & Human Services
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 9 a.m.
College of Business Administration
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.
Watch the Full Ceremony Videos
College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 9 a.m.
College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 1 p.m.
College of Science and Mathematics
Friday, May 18, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
College of Education, Health & Human Services
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 9 a.m.
College of Business Administration
Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 1:30 p.m.
Media Contact
Eric Breier, Public Affairs Specialist
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314