‘It’s all worth it in the end’

NSME students graduate in spring ceremonies

By California State University, Bakersfield

May 20^th, 2025

It was a windy evening on Saturday when students from the College of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Engineering graduated, but their time at California State University, Bakersfield was anything but a breeze. It was years of hard work and dedication, all culminating in the proud moment they crossed the stage, degree in hand.

While NSME undergraduates walked the stage on Saturday evening, the college’s graduate students had their own commencement ceremony on Friday morning. It was a weekend of celebration for CSUB graduates and their families.

Before the Saturday evening ceremony, students were finding their seats, adjusting their stoles and taking one more moment to reflect on their time at CSUB.

“I’m very excited!” said biology major Kristyn Delamar. “It’s been a fun three years. I enjoyed my time in the program, especially in NSME.”

Delamar was able to finish her degree a year early thanks to college credits earned from high school AP classes and summer courses she took throughout her time at CSUB. Next up for Delamar is veterinary school at the University of Liverpool. Delamar — whose mother, Erika Delamar, is the director of Student Health Services at CSUB — has been active on campus through Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) and research with faculty mentor Dr. Amber Stokes.

“It’s become my second home, and I’ve made lifelong friends at CSUB,” Delamar said. She encouraged future students to “get involved and make the most of your time at CSUB.”

Andrea Serrano and Ana Rivera, both computer science majors, echoed that advice, recommending that students connect with professors and build relationships with the classmates in their program.

In addition to the support they received within their program, Serrano and Rivera both thanked their families for being there for them along the way to earning their degrees.

“My mom is the one who got me here,” Serrano said. “Emotionally, financially, every aspect, she got me here to this point.”

Computer science majors Andrea Serrano and Ana Rivera

Public health major Juliet Izquierdo also spoke about the significant role family played in her educational journey.

“I wouldn’t be here without my family, specifically my grandparents,” she said. “They’ve paved the way for my success. I can always go to them for advice, support and love. Now they’re going to see their first grandchild graduate with a bachelor’s degree.”

Classmate Leilah Sheppard spoke about the “supportive circle” the public health program provides for students like her and Izquierdo, with faculty members who share internship and job postings and offer guidance on career goals. For Sheppard, who has an autoimmune disease, those goals include using her degree to advocate for people like herself.

“I’m just really thankful — and emotional; I’m holding back tears because this makeup cost a lot!” Sheppard said with a laugh. “It’s all worth it in the end. It feels amazing to be here!”

As the energetic music that welcomed everyone in faded and the ceremony began, students turned their attention to President Vernon B. Harper Jr. for one last lesson before they could cross the stage and later turn their tassels and celebrate as alumni. From the stage, Dr. Harper urged graduates to find their purpose and let it guide them throughout the challenges and opportunities that their futures will bring.

“Life changes in an instant,” he told them. “Our plans change. Our opinions change. Our circumstances change. But when you have a purpose, it does not change. Our purpose is who we are. It grounds us. It galvanizes us. It defines us. Mark Twain once said, ‘The two most important days in life are the day you are born and the day you discover the reason why.’ Graduates, may you always understand your ‘why.’”