Thousands of proud Toro graduates walked across the stage to accept their degrees during 2025 Commencement. Over the course of six Commencement ceremonies on May 16 and 17, bachelor’s degrees were conferred on 3,567 new CSUDH alumni, as well as 708 master’s degrees. Groundbreaking politician Yvonne Brathwaite Burke and psychologist and scholar Wade Nobles received honorary doctorates in acknowledgement of their lasting contributions to the community.
More than 40,000 family members, friends, and supporters packed into the Dignity Health Sport Park Tennis Stadium to cheer on their loved ones. The jubilant atmosphere was a testament to the hard-won accomplishments of the graduates, many of whom surmounted extraordinary odds to attain their degrees.
Nearly half of the Class of 2025 are the first in their family to attend college. Most also work—some juggling multiple jobs, others having attended night classes after their 9 to 5. Many are parents or caregivers for family members. Addressing their fellow graduates, student speakers shared their stories of personal struggle, persisting through illness, grief, and incarceration in pursuit of their education.
“I came to this country at the age of 5 with nothing but the clothes on my back and the hopes and dreams of my parents,” said Itxchel Estrada, the College of Natural & Behavioral Sciences student speaker. “Yet, my story is not unique. Like many of yours, it is one of resilience and the pursuit of a better future.”
Estrada, who grew up undocumented, never imagined that she would be a college graduate. However, at her sister’s insistence, she enrolled at East Los Angeles College while raising three children. She faced incredible difficulties during her education; during the pandemic, her husband fell gravely ill, and her sister tragically passed away. Through it all, Estrada managed to continue her education.
“A professor once told me, ‘Make school your anchor.’ Through resilience and persistence, that’s what it became,” Estrada told the audience. “I stand before you today not only as a graduate, but as someone who found strength in vulnerability.”
Estrada transferred to CSUDH in 2023 as a sociology major, and now plans to begin the university’s master of social work program in the fall. Her ultimate goal is either to become a licensed clinical social worker or work in higher education to support undocumented students’ mental health.
“We often think resilience means pushing through without stopping, without needing support,” she said. “But true resilience lies in embracing our humanity: allowing ourselves rest and support, asking for help when needed, and giving ourselves grace as we grow.”
“Remember, your story is powerful, and your presence here today is a testament to hope and courage.”
