Source: Daily Breeze It's never too late to receive an education, and one Cal State Dominguez Hills graduate set out to prove that. During the first day of the school’s commencement ceremonies earlier this week, Maria Manning, a double major in liberal studies and Spanish public services, was among the students from the 2020 and 2021 classes to receive their diplomas at Dignity Health Sports Park. Manning did so at 88 years old — making her one of the oldest students in the Cal State University System to graduate with a double major. But her road to success faced many setbacks along the way. Manning, originally from the Cape Verde islands in West Africa, immigrated to America ... Read More
Commencement
Commencement Delivers an Intimate Feel with Heartfelt Moments
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
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
Seven Accomplished Keynote Speakers to Address the Classes of 2020 and 2021
Commencement is back at CSUDH! Although socially distanced and in fewer numbers than a typical year, the Toro Nation will come together for the first time after more than a year of virtual education to celebrate both the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 during in-person Commencement ceremonies May 24-26. Seven ceremonies in total will take place in the Tennis Stadium at Dignity Health Sports Park over the three days. With restricted stadium seating, students will sit in the stands this year with their two guests, instead of on the stadium floor. Each ceremony will also be live streamed so that other family and friends can celebrate remotely. Even with the changes needed to comply ... Read More
