May 22, 2019

Worth a Thousand Words: Pictures from Commencement 2019

Banner carriers arrive under the big tent during CGU's Commencement. — WHICH HOUSE ARE YOU? Banners aren't unique to HBO's hit series "Game of Thrones." They're also an important part of our ceremony, which opened with the arrival of our banner carriers representing each of the university’s schools/divisions.

Some 335 students crossed the stage this month to receive master’s and doctoral degrees at CGU’s 92nd Annual Commencement, which took place May 18 on the Mudd Quadrangle.

Words just can’t do justice to the energy, excitement and raw emotions of that special day … so why bother? Here, instead of a long narrative, are a selection of snapshots of CGU’s newest members of the alumni family, their loved ones and supporters, our faculty, staff, and leadership. Enjoy!

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Graduates wait for the distribution of degrees. — READY TO RECEIVE: Some of this year’s graduates wait for the presentation of degrees. Their hard work paid off on this big day. Congrats!

Flame bearer Professor Josh Goode — CARRYING THE FLAME: Professor Josh Goode (left) with CGU President Len Jessup (background, right).

Commencement speaker Bev Ditsie — RAISING HER VOICE: Honorary degree recipient and South African activist Bev Ditsie gave a powerful commencement address in which she described the difficult situation still existing in her country today. Other honorary degree recipients were MacArthur Fellow and social scientist Betsy Levy Paluck and Laughlin McDonald, emeritus director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project.

Pamela Mullin "Dream and Believe" Award recipient Samara Suafoa — TEARS OF JOY (AND SURPRISE): SES doctoral alumna Samara Suafoa was chosen for this year’s Pamela M. Mullin “Dream and Believe” Award, which honors exceptional service in the field of education (Suafoa is a Special Education & Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator for LAUSD). The recipient of the award, which was presented by SES Dean DeLacy Ganley, is not notified prior to the ceremony. Hence the surprise … and tears.

Doctoral graduate Laura Graham — PURE JOY: Laura Graham can’t hide her excitement as she prepares for hooding as a doctoral graduate in Positive Developmental Psychology.

Master's recipient Jeremiah Ojo — FLEXING HIS MASTER’S: Jeremiah Ojo celebrates his MA in Art Business.

CROUCHED AND READY: Political Science doctoral grad Jake Campbell prepares for hooding as the DPE faculty gathers around.

Religion PhD graduate Melisa Berry — END OF THE GRAD SCHOOL JOURNEY: Religion doctoral graduate Melisa Berry holds her degree high as she exits the stage.

Professor Linda Perkins hoods SES doctoral grad Jasmine Brewer — THE MOMENT IS HERE: Professor and Applied Women’s Studies Director Linda Perkins hoods an elated Jasmine Brewer, recipient of a PhD in Education.

Family members taking pictures of grads — LIGHTS, CAMERA … : Cellphones were out in force to capture the 92nd Commencement.

Family members hold up a teasing poster — PLAYFUL TEASING: Who else can tease you like your family on your special day?

Children sitting on bronze horse sculpture — HORSING AROUND: Art alumna Barbara Beretich’s bronze sculpture (in the SAH backyard) was put to good use by these youngsters.

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WANT MORE? Visit our Instagram page for more images or watch a video of commencement highlights here!