CSU Bakersfield Fall 2019 Commencement Ceremony

571 students will participate in ceremony

By California State University, Bakersfield

December 11^th, 2019

As the 2019 fall semester comes to a close, CSU Bakersfield will confer degrees upon 894 students, 571 of whom will participate Wednesday evening in the university’s first fall commencement ceremony in a decade.

Among the proud graduates are 27 students whose hard work and commitment will culminate in a rare achievement: the completion of their bachelor’s degree in under four years.

"When I was little, I never knew about a university until I went there on a field trip,” said Melanie Morales, who is earning her degree in liberal studies. “I had nobody in my family who could show me what it means to go to college. It’s nice I will be that role model.”

Melanie joined fellow early graduates, faculty, staff and President Lynnette Zelezny at the Early Graduation Award Lunch and Reception at CSUB recently. Savoring the moment with Melanie were her 4-year-old brother, Obed Colorado, and her mother, Abigail Caballero, who wiped away tears as she struggled to find the words to convey her pride.

“It’s a privilege to see my daughter follow her dreams because I never had a chance to do it myself,” Mrs. Caballero said in Spanish as her daughter interpreted.

“I’m crying because I don’t know how to put it. She was the first one to graduate from high school in our family, and now she’s the first one to graduate college.”

Carlos Garcia, graduating with a degree in Spanish, understands the responsibility Melanie feels to lead the way for other first-generation college students. Working as a peer mentor at CSUB changed the trajectory of his future and convinced him that rather than become a teacher, his calling would be as a counselor for students whose lives mirrored his own.

“My parents didn’t even go to high school. I had no help coming to a four-year university, but now I serve as a guide. I feel joy helping students, and I hope to continue that here at CSUB.”

Dr. Liora Gubkin, associate dean of the School of Arts and Humanities, came to the luncheon to support Carlos.

“I told Carlos I was tempted to change all his grades to failing so he’ll have stay with us,” she joked, “but since he’s coming back, I won’t.”

CSU Bakersfield Fall 2019 Commencement Ceremony

President Zelezny, in addressing the students, told them they are the pride of the entire CSU, which has undertaken a system-wide initiative to improve on-time graduation rates.

“What you have been able to accomplish is a testament to your perseverance,” President Zelezny said. “I can’t wait to see what the dedicated, brilliant minds in this room will go on to achieve on behalf of yourselves, your family and your university.”

Alondra Santiago, who is graduating with a degree in economics, said remaining true to the course she set in her first days at the university helped her finish in three and a half years. After commencement, Alondra will continue working for the Kern Economic Development Corporation, an organization that promotes growth of the business sector and has taught Alondra essential skills.

“I’ve learned how to network. I’ve met the mayor and district attorney. It’s been great exposure for me.”

Kinesiology student Alyssa Hilts, like most of the early graduates, credits much of her success to earning early college credits while still in high school. But even then, there’s no getting around it: College is work.

“Honestly, it was never mentally easy; that was the struggle, more than the work. Mentally getting through it, but knowing I had a goal and I had to put in the time – that’s what got me through.”

By the numbers

A breakdown, by school, of the 894 total degrees being awarded this semester:

Undergrad Masters

Arts & Humanities 98 7

Business and Public Administration 192 43

Social Sciences and Education 331 40

Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering 172 11

Degrees, by major

School of Natural Science, Mathematics, and Engineering:

Biochemistry, biology, chemistry, computer engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering sciences, geology, human biological sciences, mathematics, nursing