Excited Otters highlight CSUMB’s Commencement

By Mark Muckenfuss

Cloudy skies over the Salinas Sports Complex did not diminish the festive mood of the graduates gathered for Cal State Monterey Bay’s Commencement on Saturday, May 17. 

“It’s exciting,” said a smiling Smirth Luciano, a computer science major from Visalia. He was standing with friends before marching into the main stadium for the ceremony. “I worked very hard the past four years to get here and I’m grateful for all the people that helped me on my academic journey.

“I’m very emotional,” he added. “I’ll definitely try not to cry.”

Samantha Kozlo, of Los Angeles, couldn’t hold back her tears in talking about what helped motivate her to get her environmental science degree. 

“I’m happy I could do it for my grandmother,” she said as her voice wavered and tears tumbled down her cheeks. “That’s the reason I do everything.”

She said her family immigrated from Nicaragua and both her grandmother and mother have been influential in her life. Both were on hand to watch her cross the stage in front of more than 1,800 graduates (out of a class of 2,200) who attended the event. 

“That’s why I’m a strong woman,” Kozlo added, “because I had two really strong women to support me my entire life.”  

President Vanya Quiñones opened the ceremony by praising the graduates for their accomplishments.

“We celebrate the people you have become through your journey at Cal State Monterey Bay,  and your transformation into leaders who will have an impact on your families, your communities and all whom you meet,” Quiñones said.” 

She called Commencement the pinnacle of the student experience. 

“Today is the most important day of the year at Cal State Monterey Bay,” she said. “It is the culmination of all your work, of each class, of each exam, every assignment you have completed to make it to this moment.”

Quiñones told the graduates they had already had an impact greater than their own accomplishments.

“You have found your strength and you have made our university and our community stronger, too,” she said.

A long procession of Otters trailed into the main rodeo arena creating a sea of blue as they took their seats before a large stage flanked by giant television screens. Behind them and to the sides, about 14,000 family members and friends filled the grandstands. 

Among them was Kevin Crane of Salinas, whose wife, Lisa Castillo, was getting her degree in social work along with a teaching credential. He recalled many nights when the two had sat together while she did schoolwork and he encouraged and sometimes assisted her. 

“I supported her in any way, shape or form that I could,” he said. “Her achievement in this is like no other. She’s worked very hard. She’s first-generation, and this is very big for her. I’m trying not to cry.” 

As he watched, Associated Students President Aaron Villarreal addressed the graduates, encouraging them to pay attention and live in the moment.

“Stop existing in this life, and start living it,” Villarreal said. “Notice these powerful moments and write your verse in this world.”

Two local leaders were awarded honorary doctorates during the ceremony. Quiñones recognized David Stivers, CEO of The Pebble Beach Co., and former CSUMB Foundation Board member and AT&T executive Bettye Saxon.

Quiñones said Saxon had many accomplishments in the community, including “supporting access to education, enhancing equity and inclusion, and her dedication to supporting first-generation students.”
 
Saxon encouraged students to trust themselves and not to be afraid to make mistakes. 

“Be open to what lies ahead,” Saxon said. “Keep learning. Be a friend to the universe and you will find that the universe will be a friend to you.”

Stivers, whom Quiñones recognized “for supporting quality, experiential learning opportunities for students as well as providing innovative leadership in a key regional industry,” spoke about the qualities his company looks for in hiring new employees: integrity, work ethic, self-improvement and being a good team player. 

“You have control over each of these qualities,” Stivers said, “and if you follow them, you can do amazing things in your career.”

Many of the graduates expressed relief as well as joy at having surmounted challenges and obstacles. 

Natalie Flores, of Merced, dealt with multiple knee surgeries and a car accident that left her with broken ribs and a concussion. She still managed to complete her kinesiology degree on time. Support from CSUMB helped.

“When I got into my car crash, one of my instructors reached out to me,” she said. The instructor connected her with a program that helped keep her on track. “They didn’t let me slip through the cracks.”

Flores was standing with her roommate of two years, Sarah Edgerton, of Sonoma, who majored in kinesiology. 

“I’m proud to be here today,” Edgerton said. “I worked hard.”

She and Flores said graduation was bittersweet for them. Asked what they would miss most, they pointed at one another. 

“This girl,” said Edgerton. “At the end of the day, it’s the people we met here that matter.”

Flores nodded. “That’s what lasts forever.”

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