To: All students, faculty, staff and alumni
From: Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones
It’s time to celebrate! Our University’s alumni ranks will grow by more than 1,200 this week as we mark California’s 179th Commencement.
On Friday evening, graduate students who completed their studies in August and December will receive their master’s degrees. On Saturday morning, undergraduates will receive their associate and bachelor’s degrees at Winter Commencement ceremonies.
Our graduates have worked hard to reach this important milestone, and I look forward to congratulating each of them in person as they walk across the Convocation Center stage. This campus has been a big part of my life for more than 40 years, yet I still take genuine pleasure in shaking the hand of every newly minted Cal U graduate.
I urge every member of our campus community to join me in wishing our graduates well. Please make an effort to stay in touch with them, too, and encourage them to remain engaged with their alma mater. Bright and talented alumni can be wonderful role models for our current students, enriching our Cal U community by continuing the cycle of learning and mentorship.
Speaking of mentorship, I am thrilled to welcome Emeritus University President Dr. John Pierce Watkins as our Commencement speaker this weekend. Dr. Watkins was Cal U’s fifth President, and he remains both a champion for this University and an important mentor to me and to many others on campus.
I know he will deliver a thought-provoking message to our graduates, their families and friends.
As the fall semester comes to a close, I have a few brief messages of my own to share.
To our faculty and staff: As always, I appreciate your efforts on behalf of our University and, most importantly, the students we serve. Your expertise, your dedication and your sincere interest in our students combine to make Cal U a very special place.
To our current students: Please enjoy your winter break (or Winter College classes) and return refreshed and ready for a productive spring semester. As a campus community, we are committed to helping you complete the journey toward your own graduation day. You can do it!
And finally, to our graduates: You have reached a significant goal, and I applaud your success. Your Cal U “family” and I will be watching as you step forward into a new chapter of your life as a California University graduate. We know you will make us proud!
With warmest wishes for a happy holiday season,
