9,200 earn diplomas from Cal State Long Beach

LONG BEACH – California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) will confer more than 9,200 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees for the 2013-14 academic year, and many of those earning degrees are expected to walk across the stage at Commencement 2014, a collection of 10 graduation ceremonies at the Long Beach campus scheduled for Tuesday-Friday, May 20-23. In addition to participating students, upwards of 70,000 family members and friends are expected to visit the university over the four-day period to hear their graduate’s name and watch him or her walk across the dais.

“Commencement is the highlight of the academic year as we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students,” noted CSULB Interim President Donald J. Para. “On behalf of the graduates, we acknowledge the essential role of the faculty and staff in making this day a reality and we celebrate with the family and friends who have supported them on this life changing journey. These students are graduating well prepared to embark on the next chapter in their lives.

“This year, we will have more than 9,200 graduates, making this the largest graduating class in our history,” Para pointed out. “I look forward to shaking the hand of every one of the 2014 CSULB graduates and wishing them great success.”

Held in the campus’ Central Quadrangle, Commencement 2014 begins Tuesday, May 20, with graduates from the College of Health and Human Services being recognized in two separate ceremonies -- one at 9 a.m. and the other at 2 p.m.

On Wednesday, May 21, the College of Liberal Arts will host three ceremonies for its graduates—the first beginning at 9 a.m., followed by the second at 1 p.m. and the third at 5 p.m.

Two more ceremonies are set for Thursday, May 22, featuring graduates from the College of the Arts at 9 a.m. followed by a 5 p.m. ceremony for those students earning degrees from the College of Business Administration.

On the final day, Friday, May 23, the College of the Engineering will recognize its graduates in a 9 a.m. ceremony. Then, graduates from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will follow at 1 p.m., and the College of Education will close out the campus’ graduation festivities with a 5 p.m. ceremony.

After each ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to attend a one-hour reception hosted by their respective colleges on the terrace level of the University Student Union.  Refreshments and music will be provided.

Free parking is available for commencement guests in Lots 11, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 18 at the north end of the campus as well as Parking Structures I, II or III.  Courtesy shuttles will be available to transport guests to the Central Quad area.

Visitors may enter the campus from Atherton Street, Bellflower Boulevard or 7th Street.  Before parking, drivers may drop off passengers at the west turnaround near Brotman Hall or the east turnaround by the CSULB Foundation Building.  Parking for the disabled may be arranged by calling Parking Administration at 562/985-4146.

Guests with other special needs should contact Disabled Student Services at 562/985-5401.

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Published: May 15, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 05