Party, parade and pom-poms invigorate CSUMB Convocation

By Caitlin Fillmore

At the corner of General Jim Moore Boulevard and Divarty Street, members of Cal State Monterey Bay’s Health and Wellness Services staff were decked out in bee antennae and waved signs reading “Bee Yourself.” Across the street, finance department employees – one dressed in an otter-pajama onsie – waved pom-poms.

These messages of welcome and encouragement were part of New Student Convocation, the ceremonial parade and welcome event for new and transfer students held Friday morning, Aug. 22.

The festivities began with mixers in which students got to mingle with faculty and staff from their respective colleges. That was followed by the Party on Divarty, a tradition only in its second year. Bagpipers, CSUMB mascot Monte Rey and university leadership led hundreds of students past each department’s cheering section along Divarty Street to the main Convocation event at CSUMB’s stadium. 

Phillip Post, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Human Services, began the march at the front of the crowd, but got swallowed up while describing his college’s “learn by doing” approach to nearby students. CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones waded in and pulled him from the crowd.

“I was having too much fun talking to students!” Post said as the students called out, “Bye, Phil!”

First-year and transfer students in matching CSUMB T-shirts filled four sections of the stadium. Addressing the crowd, Quiñones encouraged students to get involved on campus and “support each Otter,” before directing those in attendance to link arms to symbolize their new Otter Raft.

Quiñones also shared the secrets inside the new “Otters for Life” statue at the Otter Student Union, starting another new tradition of campus pride.

“If you touch their noses, it will bring good luck, good grades and good things,” Quiñones said.

Andrew Lawson, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, further inspired students to lean on their Otter Raft for support, both academically and personally.

“Asking for help when you need it is a sign of strength, not weakness,” Lawson said. “Utilizing the support available to you is what smart and successful people like yourselves do to remain successful.”

Natalie Navarro, this year’s Associated Students president, also shared messages of reassurance and connection.

“This step [of your academic career] is not to be taken alone,” Navarro said. “You need to know we are all here to support you in your journey.”

Convocation also includes a pinning ceremony to “fully certify” students for the new academic year. This tradition is the initial moment of a full circle that will be completed when students receive a similar pin at Commencement.

“From now on, you are an Otter for life,” Lawson said during the pinning ceremony.

While many students said they weren’t sure what to expect from Convocation, the message of community was loud and clear.

“It definitely feels welcoming,” said Emonie Buckner, a transfer student from Berkeley. “It is nice and refreshing.”

Rebecca Ramirez, an accounting student from Marina, agreed.

“This is a great start to the year,” she said.