To mark the achievement, the CSU has created the Class of 3 Million, an online yearbook that celebrates those graduates. This year’s graduates are encouraged to participate. By creating a yearbook profile, alumni are entered to win one of three $10,000 Herff Jones-sponsored scholarships. Contest rules.
Annually, the CSU awards 100,000 degrees, and those alumni make a big impact in the state: The CSU notes that one in 10 employees in California is a CSU graduate.
Among HSU’s most promising 2015 graduates are Alyssa Haggard and Jacob Potter, the Outstanding Students of the Year Award winners. Earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology, Haggard is the only student to serve as both lab coordinator in the Archaeology Research Lab and senior research assistant at the Biological Anthropology Lab at HSU.
Potter, who is earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, has been honored as a Presidential Scholar, and is currently a Program Consultant for Youth Educational Services (Y.E.S.), where he mentors students who lead community service programs.
More than 1,500 undergraduate, graduate, and credential students will earn degrees this year. Lisa Rossbacher, who became HSU president in 2014, will deliver the keynote address at all three ceremonies at the Redwood Bowl on Saturday, May 16.
More Commencement Information
Commencement schedule: The Redwood Bowl ceremony (rain or shine) begins at 8:30 a.m. with the College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences. The College of Natural Resources & Sciences follows at noon and the College of Professional Studies at 3:30 p.m.
Cap and Gown: Rented gowns can be returned to the Bookstore within a week of graduation (you can keep the cap, tassel, and stole). CCAT is also renting caps and gowns until April 30. Purchased caps and gowns can be donated to CCAT.
Forever Humboldt: New graduates are encouraged to join Forever Humboldt, the official association for all supporters of HSU. Stop by the Humboldt Alumni tent, located just outside the main entrance to Redwood Bowl, to fill out a membership application. Members receive special discounts at local businesses, access to HSU career resources, special invites to Forever Humboldt events, and more. Get more information about Forever Humboldt at http://forever.humboldt.edu/.
Get Social with #HSUGrad: Graduates and their friends and families are again encouraged to share their photos on Instagram by tagging them with #HSUGrad. HSU’s Instagram account (humboldtstate) will feature photos from students and audience members.
You can also view and download graduation photos from HSU’s Flickr photostream, which will be updated throughout the day.
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 adopted by hundreds of universities worldwide. Stop by the table in the West Gym to take the pledge and pick up your pledge ribbon.
Receptions: Academic departments will host receptions of their own 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 reception is available at humboldt.edu/commencement/receptions.
Cultural Graduation Celebrations
- Q-Grad Celebration, Saturday, May 9, 4-7 p.m., Goodwin Forum
- All Native Sash Ceremony, Thursday, May, at 6 p.m., Kate Buchanan Room
- Graduación Latina, Friday, May 15, 5 p.m., Arcata Community Center
- Asian Pacific Islander Lei Ceremony, Friday, May 15, 5 p.m., Goodwin Forum
- Black Heritage Graduation, Friday, May 15, 5 p.m., Kate Buchanan Room
For maps, parking, and more details on Commencement, go to humboldt.edu/commencement.