While the number of graduates, and the family and friends cheering them on in person, was substantially less this year due to COVID-19, the scaled-down ceremonies for the Class of 2020 and Class of 2021 Commencements helped mark a return to normalcy for the Toro Nation, and were some of most intimate and heartfelt in recent memory. Seven commencement ceremonies in all took place May 24-26 in the Tennis Stadium at Dignity Health Sports Park. To comply with public health guidelines, seating was restricted, with graduates sitting in the stands with two guests, instead of on the stadium floor. To close each ceremony, graduates were recognized individually from the stands, and were shown on ... Read More
Archives for May 2021
Women’s Studies Grants First Degrees
Women's Studies has only been a major at CSUDH for one year, but its first four graduates are already earning their degrees this spring. As Associate Professor and Coordinator of Women's Studies Jenn Brandt says, “We're so excited. To have all of these wonderful students, in a pandemic, not only surviving but thriving, has exceeded my expectations! I know they're going to go on and make the university very proud.” The four women who make up Women's Studies' first graduating cohort have each taken their own unique path to their degree. “This group is so representative of the diversity that we have in the major,” says Brandt. “They're all coming from different backgrounds and going off to ... Read More
Class of 2021: Sallyanne Payton Bestowed CSU Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
As a force for change on the national stage, and for her wide-ranging contributions to education and Black culture and history, Sallyanne Payton was bestowed a California State University Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters by CSUDH during its 2020-21 Commencement on May 26. Payton's career is marked by major milestones and prominent appointments. From the early years at Stanford University and in the administrations of two U.S. presidents, to her work as an educator and leader of the preservation of sacred music, Payton has remained a principled advocate for societal change, and those she inspires. “It's wonderful to be recognized by the university. It's always thrilling when someone ... Read More
Class of 2021 Scholars Reflect on the Toro Experience
Graduates from the Presidential Scholars Program, the McNair Scholarship Program, and the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship share their Toro experiences, inspirational faculty mentors, future plans, and more. Raquel Serrano, Women's Studies: Mellon Mays Scholar Inspirational Mentor(s): Associate Professor of Women's Studies Jenn Brandt. See below. Scholarship Takeaways: Through the Mellon Mays program Raquel has traveled, networked, and advanced her skills as a scholar. She calls the experience “one of the best things to happen in my life.” Campus Life: Raquel enjoyed many opportunities at CSUDH that helped “sky-rocket” her success. Next Move: Raquel has been accepted into ... Read More
Class of 2021 Graduate Matthew Hernandez Takes First at Statewide CSU Student Research Conference
Matthew Hernandez is on a roll. On May 1, the English literature major took first place at the 35th Annual California State University Student Research Competition (SRC) in the Humanities and Letters undergraduate category. The win comes two months after he advanced to the statewide competition, having placed first in the same category at the CSUDH Student Research Conference. Hernandez says the two SRC wins were a memorable way to cap off his final semester at CSUDH. “It was a wonderful experience competing with others in the CSU system,” says Hernandez, who was one of seven CSUDH students selected to represent the university at SRC. “But I didn't feel any more daunted going into ... Read More
