Program

Commencement 2023

Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Stadium
May 19 & 20, 2023



Diagonal gold stripes
Diagonal gold stripes


President's Welcome

President Parham

Dear Class of 2023:

I offer you my most enthusiastic and heartfelt congratulations on achieving this consequential milestone on the journey of a lifetime.  

Today, we celebrate you – and all the hard work, perseverance and scholarship that brought you here. You will undoubtedly look back on this occasion for many years to come, filled with a well-earned sense of pride in your accomplishments – and maybe even a sense of relief for attaining a goal that, at times, might have felt more than a little daunting.

As numerous forces upended our world, you held firmly onto your dreams and persisted in your studies through challenges none of us could have foreseen or imagined. You have by necessity developed and demonstrated skills – far beyond your academic work – that will ensure your continued success: resilience, flexibility, resourcefulness, patience and tenacity. Your resolve shines brightly as a symbol of hope and optimism. It is admirable. And it is inspiring.

Of course, you did not make this journey alone. We also recognize the faculty who deepened your knowledge and enabled you to see the world from new perspectives. We acknowledge the counselors, tutors, advisors, librarians, coaches and support staff who championed you at every turn. And we appreciate the family, friends and loved ones who encouraged you, uplifted you and supported you along the way. Please remember to thank these important people and let them know how much their support means.

This celebration marks a new beginning for you – a time to commence a new life, filled with opportunities and prospects made possible by your degree from the California State University.

With this rite of passage we call “commencement,” you will join a dynamic, global network of more than 4 million CSU alumni. They are a remarkable force for good, and I am certain your addition to their ranks will multiply their contributions to our communities, to our state and to the world. I ask that – in the Cal State spirit – you use the knowledge, skills and personal qualities you have developed to work for justice, seek opportunities to foster equity and always uplift and empower others. Stay connected to your campus and look for ways to give back. And whenever possible, support future generations who aspire to follow in your footsteps.

On behalf of the entire California State University, again, congratulations.  

Sincerely, 

Thomas A. Parham, Ph.D.
President, California State University, Dominguez Hills



Marbled burgundy paint and diagonal gold stripes


Chancellor's Message

Chancellor Jolene Koester

Dear Class of 2023:

I offer you my most enthusiastic and heartfelt congratulations on achieving this consequential milestone on the journey of a lifetime.  

Today, we celebrate you – and all the hard work, perseverance and scholarship that brought you here. You will undoubtedly look back on this occasion for many years to come, filled with a well-earned sense of pride in your accomplishments – and maybe even a sense of relief for attaining a goal that, at times, might have felt more than a little daunting.

As numerous forces upended our world, you held firmly onto your dreams and persisted in your studies through challenges none of us could have foreseen or imagined. You have by necessity developed and demonstrated skills – far beyond your academic work – that will ensure your continued success: resilience, flexibility, resourcefulness, patience and tenacity. Your resolve shines brightly as a symbol of hope and optimism. It is admirable. And it is inspiring.

Of course, you did not make this journey alone. We also recognize the faculty who deepened your knowledge and enabled you to see the world from new perspectives. We acknowledge the counselors, tutors, advisors, librarians, coaches and support staff who championed you at every turn. And we appreciate the family, friends and loved ones who encouraged you, uplifted you and supported you along the way. Please remember to thank these important people and let them know how much their support means.

This celebration marks a new beginning for you – a time to commence a new life, filled with opportunities and prospects made possible by your degree from the California State University.

With this rite of passage we call “commencement,” you will join a dynamic, global network of more than 4 million CSU alumni. They are a remarkable force for good, and I am certain your addition to their ranks will multiply their contributions to our communities, to our state and to the world. I ask that – in the Cal State spirit – you use the knowledge, skills and personal qualities you have developed to work for justice, seek opportunities to foster equity and always uplift and empower others. Stay connected to your campus and look for ways to give back. And whenever possible, support future generations who aspire to follow in your footsteps.

On behalf of the entire California State University, again, congratulations.  

Sincerely, 

Jolene Koester
Interim Chancellor, California State University



Marbled burgundy paint and diagonal gold stripes


California State University Board of Trustees    

Ex Officio Trustees

The Honorable
Gavin Newsom
Governor of California

The Honorable
Eleni Kounalakis
Lieutenant Governor of California

The Honorable
Dr. Anthony Rendón
Speaker of the Assembly

The Honorable
Tony K. Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction

The Honorable
Dr. Jolene Koester
Chancellor of the California State University


Appointed Trustees

  • Larry L. Adamson
  • Diana Aguilar-Cruz
  • Diego Arambula
  • Jack B. Clark, Jr. (Vice Chair)
  • Dr. Douglas Faigin
  • Jean P. Firstenberg
  • Wenda Fong (Chair)
  • Leslie Gilbert-Lurie
  • Lillian Kimbell
  • Maria Linares
  • Julia I. Lopez
  • Jack McGrory
  • Anna Ortiz-Morfit
  • Yammilette Rodriguez
  • Dr. Romey Sabalius
  • Lateefah Simon
  • Christopher Steinhauser
  • Jose Antonio Vargas