Nearly 3,800 students are expected to graduate from California State University San Marcos this month, making the Class of 2019 the largest graduating class in CSUSM history. The university’s 28th annual commencement ceremonies are Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19.
Notably, 55 percent of the graduating students are the first in their families to earn a four-year college degree, and 42 percent of graduates identify as underrepresented minorities.
CSUSM will award two honorary degrees during commencement ceremonies:
•T.J. Dixon and James Nelson will receive a Doctor of Fine Arts during the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences ceremony on May 17 at 9 a.m.
•Ginger Shaw will receive a Doctor of Humane Letters during the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences ceremony on May 17 at 2:30 p.m.
Dixon and Nelson, married artists from Leucadia, created CSUSM’s first outdoor public art, a bronze sculpture of social activist and humanitarian Cesar Chavez that has become an iconic landmark on campus since its unveiling in 1997. Shaw is a renowned community organizer and legislative advocate who has worked tirelessly to end human trafficking.
More than 25,000 total guests are expected to attend the six ceremonies held on Mangrum Track and Field at CSUSM. Each ceremony will last about two hours. For the first time, CSUSM commencement will stretch across three days, with the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences and the College of Education, Health and Human Services holding two ceremonies each.
Social media users can follow CSUSM commencement posts by students, faculty and staff by searching for #CSUSM2019. All six commencement ceremonies will be broadcast live on the day of the event on CSUSM’s website and through the CSUSM mobile app.
More information on CSUSM’s commencement ceremonies is available online.
What: CSUSM hosts its 28th annual commencement
Who: Nearly 3,800 candidates are expected to participate in the ceremonies
When:
Friday, May 17, 2019
9 a.m. – College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
2:30 p.m. – College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Saturday, May 18, 2019
9 a.m. – College of Education, Health and Human Services
2 p.m. – College of Education, Health and Human Services
Sunday, May 19, 2019
9 a.m. – College of Business Administration
2 p.m. – College of Science and Mathematics
Where: Mangrum Track and Field, California State University San Marcos, 333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos
Traffic: Traffic congestion and backups can be anticipated in the area and surrounding streets, especially along South Twin Oaks Valley Road, Highway 78, Barham Drive and Craven Road. Due to construction, University Police and the Sheriff’s Department will be directing and controlling traffic flow along South Twin Oaks. Barham Drive has lane closures taking place on both eastbound and westbound lanes. Motorists should expect traffic delays; graduates, families and friends are advised to plan accordingly to arrive on time. Broadcast media: Any mention that can be made regarding expected traffic delays during broadcasts on May 17, 18 and 19 would be greatly appreciated.
About California State University San Marcos
Building on an innovative 29-year history, California State University San Marcos is a forward-focused institution, dedicated to preparing future leaders, building great communities and solving critical issues. Located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the City of San Marcos, it is the only public four-year comprehensive university serving North San Diego, Southwest Riverside and South Orange counties.
The University enrolls 17,000 students. With approximately 2,000 employees, the institution is a Great College to Work For® (The Chronicle of Higher Education). As a recipient of the annual HEED Award since 2014 — a national honor recognizing U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion — CSUSM is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment.
