• 8:30 a.m. – College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
• Noon – College of Natural Resources & Sciences
• 3:00 p.m. – College of Professional Studies
More than 2,600 students will earn credentials and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the 2017-18 academic year, and nearly 1,900 are signed up to participate in the ceremonies. More than 15,000 guests are expected to attend.
Redwood Bowl hosted its first commencement ceremonies in 1966 when growing enrollment prompted a move from the courtyard of Founders Hall. Humboldt State’s first graduation event took place at Arcata’s Minor Theatre in May 1915, with 15 women receiving teaching certificates.
Linh Pham, a senior double majoring in cellular/molecular biology and chemistry, will be recognized during the event as one of Humboldt State’s Outstanding Students of the Year. In her pursuit to become a physician scientist, Pham has completed summer programs at three research facilities and is known for her academic excellence and commitment to promoting women in math and sciences.
Amanda Ramirez-Sebree, An Environmental Science & Management senior, will also be recognized as an Outstanding Student of the Year. Ramirez-Sebree has volunteered with Youth Education Services since 2014, supporting youth tutoring, juvenile hall recreation, and environmental education programs, among others.
More Commencement Information
Forever Humboldt: New graduates are encouraged to register for FREE with Forever Humboldt, the official association for the HSU community. Stop by the Humboldt Alumni tent, located near the scoreboard in Redwood Bowl. Registered alumni members receive ongoing HSU Library access, special discounts at local businesses, access to HSU career resources, special invites to Forever Humboldt events, and more. Get more information on the Forever Humboldt website.
Get Social #HumboldtState: Graduates, their friends, and families are again encouraged to share their photos on social media by tagging them with #HumboldtState. HSU’s website and social media accounts will feature photos from students and audience members. Shortly after the last event ends, you will be able to view and download graduation photos from HSU’s Flickr photostream.
Graduation Pledge: Students are encouraged to take the Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility, a Commencement tradition that began at HSU in 1987 and has been used by more than 100 universities worldwide. Graduates can stop by the table in the West Gym to take the pledge and pick up their pledge ribbon.
Greening Up Graduation: Students are once again helping HSU reduce waste at Commencement. Students will reduce the number of single-use bottles and have water stations throughout Redwood Bowl. Compostable water and coffee cups will be available, and discounted water canteens will be available for purchase. Thanks to student groups Campus Center for Appropriate Technology, Delta Phi Epsilon, HSU Takes Back the Tap, Redwood Chapter of Environmental Educators & Interpreters, and Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program.
Receptions: Academic departments will host receptions at various locations, which will be listed in the back of the free Commencement program. The program will include a campus map. More information about receptions is available here.
Find maps, parking, and more details on the Commencement website.