This year’s ceremonies will recognize the university’s New Century Class, marking the start of HSU’s second century as an institute of higher education. The events also mark a close to the university’s year long Centennial Celebration. As a special offer, the U.S. Postal Service will be at Redwood Bowl offering a limited edition Humboldt State University commemorative postage pictorial postmark and stamp. Both the postmark and stamp reflect the history of HSU and will serve as collector items. A specially designed postcard including the Centennial postage stamp will be for sale for $2 at the Alumni tent. After commencement, this specialty pictorial postmark will be available at the Arcata Post Office for an additional 30 days. Stamp collectors are encouraged to take advantage of this unique and historic opportunity.
Among the honorees this year are HSU’s two Outstanding Students of the Year: Holly F. Leopardi, who is earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Physics with a minor in Chemistry. Leopardi is involved with HSU’s Gravity Research Lab and the Chemistry and Physics clubs. She’s recognized for her exceptional achievement as an undergraduate experimental physicist. The other is Cherrish Courtney-Lynn Robinson, who is earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in Critical Race, Gender & Sexuality Studies with a pathway in Ethnic Studies. Robinson has been a lead mentor since the founding of the Retention through Academic Mentoring Program in 2012, where she manages a caseload of 25 freshmen while simultaneously monitoring and supporting the work of 15 mentors.
Participating students also will wear green ribbons to symbolize their support of 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.
President Rollin Richmond, who will be retiring following the 2013-14 academic year, will deliver the keynote address at all three ceremonies. At the noon ceremony, Congressman Jared Huffman will address graduates from the College of Natural Resources and Sciences.
Also being honored at this year’s event is Herrmann Spetzler (’87), who will receive a Doctorate of Humane Letters in recognition to his dedication to expanding access to health care in rural Northern California. Spetzler, whose work has been recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Assembly, is the CEO of the Humboldt Open Door Clinic Centers.
Attendees with smartphones or Internet devices will be able to share their Commencement photos on Instagram™. Submitted photos tagged with #HSUGrad will be included in the Humboldt State photo feed. Details are posted at humboldt.edu/social.
The Commencement schedule, rain or shine in Redwood Bowl, 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.
A general reception will be held in the University Center Plaza (the Quad below the Bell Tower) at the conclusion of each ceremony. 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.
The HSU Bookstore will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Humboldt Alumni staff will be selling Commencement memorabilia at a booth in the stadium.
Families and attendees are urged to arrive early for their respective ceremonies. Continuous shuttle service for transport to Redwood Bowl will be available from Parking Lot FS9 (Harpst & Rossow streets) and Lots G14 and G15 (14th & Union). Disabled parking will be available to those with required license plates and placards, also in Lot FS9, which adjoins the Student Business Services Building at the Harpst & Rossow intersection.
Complete information is posted at humboldt.edu/commencement.