Nearly 3,500 students at California State University, Dominguez Hills were eligible to graduate on May 21 in ceremonies at the Home Depot Center Tennis Stadium. Four ceremonies throughout the day highlighted the university’s five colleges in smaller, more intimate celebrations than in past years. A variety of speakers congratulated the Class of 2010, sending them forth with words of hope and encouragement.

Online student Lauren Kelly-Hill may have taken a nontraditional route toward earning her bachelor’s degree in applied studies, but when it came time to graduate, she wanted to be walk in commencement just like everyone else. Her dream almost didn’t come true when she learned graduation day was also the day she was to be on a plane headed for Hawaii, where her military husband was being transferred. When Toby Bushee, ceremony and events manager, was made aware of Kelly-Hill’s dilemma he decided to do something about it. During Thursday rehearsals for that Friday’s commencement, he arranged for a special ceremony for Kelly-Hill and her family.