Celebrating Nearly 11,500 Graduates at CSUN Commencement 2017

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • A graduate from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 gets a congratulatory hug from a faculty member at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Science and Mathematics, on May 22, 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • A graduate from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrates at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Science and Mathematics, on May 22, 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • S.K. Ramesh (right), dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, congratulates a graduate from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Science and Mathematics, on May 22, 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Science and Mathematics, on May 22, 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Candidates for the Doctorate in Educational Leadership help lead the processional of graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the Michael D. Eisner College of Education and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the Michael D. Eisner College of Education and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the Michael D. Eisner College of Education and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Yi Li, provost and vice president for academic affairs, addresses graduates in California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Science and Mathematics, on May 22, 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Science and Mathematics, on May 22, 2017. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • A graduate from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrates at the commencement ceremony for the Michael D. Eisner College of Education and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the Michael D. Eisner College of Education and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Michael Spagna, professor and dean of the Michael D. Eisner College of Education -- who is departing CSUN this year after decades of leadership and teaching -- congratulates California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the Eisner College and the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Rachael Howery celebrates with one of her fellow graduates from the Department of Cinema and Television Arts, at the commencement ceremony for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication on May 19, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN alumnus and financial journalist Bill Griffeth '80 (Journalism) accepts an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters during the commencement ceremony for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, on May 19, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Griffeth is the anchor of the financial news show “Closing Bell” on CNBC. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison presents an honorary doctorate to alumnus and financial journalist Bill Griffeth '80 (Journalism) during the commencement ceremony for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, on May 29, 2017. Griffeth is the anchor of the financial news show “Closing Bell” on CNBC. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • (middle row, L-R): Journalism graduates Andrew Escobar, Cati Mayer, Luis Garcia and Vanessa Saenz celebrate with the class of 2017 at the commencement ceremony for CSUN's Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, on May 19, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • (L-R): Jon Stahl, chair of the Department of Cinema and Television Arts; CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison; Colin Donahue, vice president and chief financial officer; and Yi Li, provost and vice president for academic affairs help lead the procession at the commencement ceremony for the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication on May 19, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison congratulates the class of 2017 at the commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Newly minted graduates from the class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Newly minted graduates from the class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • A newly minted graduate from the class of 2017 celebrates at the commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison congratulates a newly minted graduate from the class of 2017 -- and her "mini graduate" at the commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Angelina Finau (left), accepts the Wolfson Scholar Award, the top honor given to a graduating senior, from CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison at the Honors Convocation on May 13, 2017. Finau donned the traditional dress of her family's native Tonga, a tiny island in the Pacific. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Newly minted graduates from the class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • A newly minted graduate from the class of 2017 celebrates at the commencement ceremony for the College of Humanities and the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by Luis Garcia.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Alumnus and substance-abuse educator Michael Watanabe '73 (Sociology) receives an honorary doctorate from CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison (left) and CSUN computer science professor and CSU trustee Steven Stepanek '73 (Math), M.S. '80 (Computer Science), at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Maria Martinez, a graduate in California State University, Northridge's class of 2017, celebrates with her "mini graduate" at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • A graduate celebrates with his friends at Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017, at California State University, Northridge. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • An interpreter signs the national anthem during Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017, in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library at California State University, Northridge. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • California State University, Northridge officials celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Social and Behavioral Science, on May 21, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • A graduate celebrates with her family at Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017, at California State University, Northridge. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Roxxette Lezly Zepeda waves to her family as she receives an Outstanding Graduating Senior Award from CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison, at Honors Convocation on May 13, 2017, in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison (left) and Vice President for Student Affairs William Watkins (right) congratulate Outstanding Graduating Senior Award winners (second from left to right) Roxxette Lezly Zepeda, Sunshine Williams, Kimberly Madhwani and Braulio Diaz at Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison congratulates the top graduates from the class of 2017 at Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison (center) marches in with a procession of CSUN dignitaries at Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017 on the lawn in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Braulio Diaz (left) poses with CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison and Vice President for Student Affairs William Watkins as he receives an Outstanding Graduating Senior Award, at Honors Convocation on May 13, 2017, in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN College of Health and Human Development Farrell J. Webb congratulates the class of 2017 at commencement, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison congratulates the top graduates from the class of 2017 at Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017 in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison congratulates guest speaker and alumnus Julio César Ortiz at Honors Convocation, on May 13, 2017, in front of the Delmar T. Oviatt Library. Ortiz is an award-winning reporter for Univision’s Channel 34 in Los Angeles and an adjunct professor in CSUN’s Department of Journalism. Photo by David J. Hawkins.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • A graduate from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrates at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Newly minted graduates of California State University, Northridge celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, on May 19, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Newly minted graduates of California State University, Northridge celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, on May 19, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Newly minted graduates of California State University, Northridge celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, on May 19, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Newly minted graduates of California State University, Northridge celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, on May 19, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Graduates from California State University, Northridge's class of 2017 celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the College of Health and Human Development, on May 20, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

  • Newly minted graduates of California State University, Northridge celebrate at the commencement ceremony for the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics, on May 19, 2017. Photo by Lee Choo.

Starting with Honors Convocation on May 13 and continuing May 19 to 22 with seven commencement ceremonies, California State University, Northridge celebrated the close to another successful academic year, highlighted by nearly 11,500 graduates who completed their degrees.

High energy infused each of the ceremonies with excitement — the graduates feeling joy at this life-changing accomplishment. For these graduates, reaching such a landmark achievement came from years of hard work and sacrifice.

“By persevering, you have seen what you are capable of — but it is only the beginning,” said CSUN President Dianne F. Harrison. “Your ability to persevere and the self-confidence it fosters will help you achieve your dreams and make a difference in the world. To promote positive change on issues of importance to you, use the skills you have learned at CSUN – whether those are skills in critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, or empathy and compassion – including appreciating and respecting others’ perspectives and advocating for social justice.”

Later in her address, Harrison directed a salute to those loved ones who were in attendance to support the graduates.

“To the parents, brothers, sisters, families, friends and loved ones — the university community and I thank you for entrusting the minds and futures of your graduates to CSUN,” Harrison said. “We are privileged to have them as part of the CSUN family. Our graduates could not have succeeded without your guidance, love, sacrifice and encouragement.”

After the roll call of graduates completed their momentous walk across the stage and turned their tassels to the left, they were welcomed them into CSUN Alumni family.

“Go out in the world, accomplish great things and come back and tell us about it so we can brag about you,” Harrison said.

Here is a collection of photos from the seven commencement ceremonies and Honors Convocation.

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