The Coussoulis Arena was filled with cheers, tears and coyote pride as Cal State San Bernardino’s Class of 2024 crossed the commencement stage. Family and friends beamed with pride as they watched their graduates achieve this milestone.

For many graduates, the day commemorated years of hard work and a dream coming to fruition.

Approximately 1,900 graduates participated in five commencement ceremonies held Dec. 13 and 14 in the university’s Coussoulis Arena.

 At each ceremony, after welcoming the vibrant crowd, CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales congratulated the graduates to a resounding applause, reminding them that they did not accomplish this alone. In a poignant moment, graduates at each ceremony were invited to applaud and cheer for their supporters — those in attendance stood to be acknowledged — for their contributions during their educational journey.
 

A graduate shows off his coyote pride at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 13.
A graduate shows off his coyote pride at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Fall Commencement ceremony on Dec. 13.

“Graduates, as you commemorate this meaningful accomplishment, take time to remember what it took to realize it. To be here today you have proven you can adapt, overcome and succeed,” said Morales. “But never forget that your success was made possible by the support of those closest to you. Many who are here in the audience, as well as others unable to attend.”

Additionally, first-generation graduates were honored at each ceremony for breaking barriers and serving as role models for their siblings, relatives and future generations.

Morales also extended his appreciation to CSUSB faculty for their mentorship of the graduates and staff for their dedication to student success, and graduates showcased their thanks with cheers and applause.

Morales discussed the value of a CSUSB education, highlighting the university being ranked No. 3 in the nation this year for social mobility by the Wall Street Journal, and the lasting effect their degree will have not only in their lives, but in the lives of their families and in the community.
 

Graduates celebrate earning their degrees at the Coussoulis Arena in front of family and friends.
Graduates celebrate earning their degrees at the Coussoulis Arena in front of family and friends.

He encouraged graduates to use the education they received at CSUSB to make a positive impact in the community and throughout the world as has previous “coyote alumni.”

“Now go out and pursue the future, which is not only yours but also the future for those around you. Participate, engage and support the marvelous diversity that enriches our nation. I believe in you graduates — let’s do this.”

The celebrations began on Friday, Dec. 13, with the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences leading the way with two ceremonies. The first was held at 1:30 p.m., recognizing graduates from the departments of child development, economics, ethnic studies, political science, and psychology. The second ceremony took place at 6 p.m. for graduates from the schools of criminology and criminal justice and social work, as well as the departments of anthropology, geography and environmental studies, history, social sciences, and sociology.

On Saturday, Dec. 14, the College of Natural Sciences held their ceremony at 9 a.m. At 1:30 p.m., the College of Arts and Letters and the James R. Watson and Judy Rodriguez Watson College of Education hosted their ceremonies, followed by the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration’s commencement at 6 p.m.