For many students, commencement represents the finish line of a remarkable journey—and the promising beginning of another. Family and friends gather to celebrate this momentous achievement, and even faculty and staff get caught up in the festivities.
But even more important than celebrating an academic milestone are the health and safety of students, their families and our campus communities. That’s why careful consideration has been given to hosting commencement exercises this year, and why each campus has arrived at a solution uniquely suited for its community.
CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White addresses the Class of 2020: “I am sure that, when you look back upon your commencement in the years to come, it will be with mixed emotions. Most often, you'll be filled with pride and a powerful—and well-earned—sense of accomplishment. Perhaps sometimes you'll relive a sense of amazement at attaining a goal that, at times, felt more than a little daunting. At other times, you may feel disappointment because of the unique and disruptive challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I understand. The culmination of your college experience was not as you had expected.
“On this last point, it is my hope that you will also remember the ingenuity, adaptability, resilience and indomitable spirit you, your classmates and your faculty and staff have demonstrated during these unprecedented and challenging times. I know I will. I will forever admire the class of 2020, and you will always hold a special place in my heart. And I have every confidence that the qualities that you have shown through these difficult days will continue to serve you well as you encounter life's inevitable periods of hardship and uncertainty."