CSUB celebrates early graduates

Students receive certificates of recognition during awards reception

By California State University, Bakersfield

November 4^th, 2022

For Anabel Mendez, Thursday represented an emotional milestone in her time at California State University, Bakersfield.

Mendez is one of 99 students from the class of 2023 who are graduating this December. Mendez and many other students were recognized at an awards reception in the Runner Café during which they received certificates of recognition for achieving their degree in under four years.

Many family members also attended the ceremony to celebrate the students’ achievement.

“I never imagined myself standing here before you all, but I am extremely grateful for it,” Mendez said. “Thanks to my parents’ endless sacrifices, I had the opportunity to attend college and achieve my goal of earning first an associate's degree and now a bachelor’s degree.”

Mendez — the first member of her family to receive a degree — shared how while growing up, her father was often away from the family because he had to commute from their home in Wasco to a job in Harbor City, where they used to live.

“They are my inspiration in life and always will be,” she said. “They have always taught me that no matter where you come from, you have the potential to achieve anything.”

President Lynnette Zelezny said many of the early graduates have had to overcome significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, to reach this achievement.

“The completion of your degree in under four years is a testament to incredible work, perseverance and focus,” Zelezny told the grads during the ceremony. “Each of you has faced obstacles and challenges in your pursuit of a degree, but nothing stopped you. You set a goal for yourselves and you remained true to that dream that brought you to CSUB. And now, your example will motivate so many others to follow their dreams.”

One of this year’s early grads is Julio Del Villar, who is receiving his bachelor’s in business administration and hopes to begin a career in finance. Del Villar said graduating early was always a part of his plan upon coming to CSUB.

“I started taking a lot of summer school classes so I could finish up early and start my career,” he said. “Now it’s about going into the great unknown where you don’t know what’s going to happen, so I’m happy and scared at the same time.”

Amritpal Kaur is earning her bachelor’s in biochemistry and is also a first-generation student. She said her experience at CSUB has provided a great foundation that will help her achieve her career goals.

“My time at California State University, Bakersfield has inspired me to be informed, active, engaged and to be a leader,” she said. “The different opportunities presented by the school helped me get to the next phase of my academic life, which is getting into dental school. Thank you to [CSUB] for taking a chance on me.”