Second-straight big Commencement for CSUMB

By Rosemary McClure

Cal State Monterey Bay will host a final, celebratory stop for 1,800 graduates at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, at the Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main St., Salinas. 

Commencement will again be a single ceremony this year, just as in 2024. Multiple ceremonies were held each year from 2015 to 2023, but last year the event was consolidated into one big ceremony and moved to the Salinas Sports Complex’s main stadium. The change was well received.  

"Commencement is my favorite time of the year as we gather as a community to celebrate the accomplishments of each of our graduates,” said President Vanya Quiñones. “It's a time when we see the strength of our Otter Raft on display. Even after our students cross that stage and begin the next step in their journeys – whether it is pursuing an advanced degree or a career – they are more than prepared for what is to come. And they are Otters for Life!"

The final days before Commencement may be like a hurried sprint through final exams, when students pick up their caps and gowns, pose for photos, and prepare to make that long-awaited trip across the commencement stage. It can be pretty hectic. Here's a guide to help grads and their loved ones get through it all and avoid confusion on their way to the celebration. Additional information is available on the Commencement web page. 

Tickets

The last day to claim tickets is April 30. Ticket requests may only be made by candidates; instructions are available electronically only. Tickets are complimentary and cannot be purchased or sold. According to the Commencement webpage: “Attendees aged two or older are required to have a ticket to enter the stadium.”

Plan your day

Officials said 1,800 students out of a graduating class of over 2,200 have registered for the event. The crowd should be similar to last year's 12,000, including families and supporters. The day’s schedule includes the following important times:

• 8 a.m: Gates open, students assemble at Rabobank Stadium
 
• 10 a.m: Commencement begins at the Rodeo Arena

• Noon to 2 p.m: Commencement festival on the midway of the rodeo grounds

Parking

On-site parking is free. There is a graduate drop-off located in Parking Lot P off Maryal Drive. No graduate or guest parking is permitted in this lot. There is no guest drop-off. Ridesharing drop-off location is the circle drive in front of Sherwood Hall. Guest or student drop-offs on North Main Street are strictly prohibited and subject to citation.

Venue restrictions

Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with site security and items that are and are not allowed in the venue. Details can be found here. 

Ceremony schedule

• Processional: "Pomp and Circumstance” by Sir Edward Elgar
 
• Welcome: Dr. Arlene Haffa

• National Anthem: Marcia Vandervinne, Music major, Class of 2025
• President’s Remarks: Dr. Vanya Quiñones

• Student Address: Aaron Villarreal, Associated Students president

• Honorary Degree Recipients: Dr. Bettye Saxon and Dr. David Stivers
 
• Recognition of Academic Honors: Dr. Andrew Lawson

• Presentation of Candidates: Dr. Vanya Quiñones, Dr. Andrew Lawson
 
• Conferral and Awarding of Degrees and Credentials: Dr. Vanya Quiñones, Dr. Andrew Lawson

• Recessional: “Imperial Edward March” by John Philip Sousa 

Festival

The Commencement festival following the ceremony will feature food, special photo areas, music and booths selling such things as flowers and CSUMB and Otter merchandise. The Alumni Association will also have an informational table set up.