California State University, San Bernardino 2021 Commencement Business & Public Admin
>> Welcome to the California State University, San Bernardino virtual commencement ceremony. I am Shari McMahan, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Today we celebrate the success of our students and faculty. But first, I would like to take a brief moment to acknowledge the enormous loss of life and devastation caused by the pandemic in our own region and around the world.
We are both grateful and hopeful for the new vaccines, which will allow us, in time, to regain some normalcy, including the holding of in-person commencement ceremonies. It now gives me great pleasure to introduce the fourth president of Cal State San Bernardino, Dr. Tomás D. Morales. >> Congratulations to the Class of 2021! Graduates, you have every right to be proud of your accomplishments.
You achieved the goal of earning your degree under some of the most difficult circumstances ever faced by a college class. The global pandemic has affected all of us and changed the way we live our lives. The transition from in-person instruction to virtual learning did more than just alter the daily routine. It took everyone out of the familiar and forced a drastic adjustment of how we do nearly everything. In spite of it all, you did it! You are here and ready to receive your degree.
This achievement should encourage and empower you. The majority of challenges we face in our lives are typically unforeseen and untimely. You have done far more than display the ability to face the unexpected; you have proven you can adapt, overcome and succeed. What I am talking about is resilience. The American Psychological Association defines resilience as: "the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or significant sources of stress." The APA goes on to say, "While these adverse events, much like rough river waters, are certainly painful and difficult, they don't have to determine the outcome of your life.
There are many aspects of your life you can control, modify, and grow with. That's the role of resilience. Becoming more resilient not only helps you get through difficult circumstances, it also empowers you to grow and even improve your life along the way."
As the class of 2021, you are graduating with a special degree in resilience. I am incredibly proud of your persistence: it makes this commencement ceremony especially meaningful and it creates a common bond among you. I know that you will continue to move forward, make progress and thrive. I know many of you are the first in your family to earn a college degree. With this achievement, you have broken a barrier and will now forever be a role model for siblings, relatives and future generations. Your accomplishment will serve as a positive influence! However, I also want to remind each of you that the success you celebrate today is a shared victory.
It was made possible by the support of others. First and foremost, by those closest to you - parents, family members, relatives, spouses and friends. These significant people have given you their encouragement, their understanding and their love. Then there is the CSUSB faculty, some of this country's best educators and researchers.
They truly care about you and have given you the benefit of their knowledge, expertise, and selfless attention. The experienced staff at CSUSB provide critical services, essential maintenance and vital support that enhance our learning environment. They have sustained you with their time, dedication and compassion. I urge each of you to take time to thank those who have helped you reach this prominent milestone. Also, take a few moments to personally appreciate what you have accomplished.
The significance of earning a college degree is an achievement you will cherish the rest of your life. At the same time, recognize that this ceremony is only the beginning. Your careers and your lives are ahead of you. The world needs you and awaits all you have to contribute. Now is the time for you to draw on your experience.
Remember the skills and rekindle the courage that helped you overcome so much adversity and allowed you to realize your educational goals. Be ready to meet - and exceed - your next challenge. On behalf of the entire university congratulations and best wishes to you for an exciting and rewarding future. >> Hello, Graduates! As the Chief Academic Officer at CSUSB, it is an honor to congratulate you at this exciting moment in your lives.
I have met and worked with some of you very closely, and have seen firsthand your incredible talents, intelligence, and potential to shape the future of our world in amazing ways. I applaud all of you for your passion, your commitment, and your perseverance. It wasn't an easy feat, particularly given the extraordinary personal and academic challenges surrounding COVID-19.
Still, you adapted and successfully completed your degree! In the process, you have honed your skills, deepened your knowledge, and explored your true authentic selves. You've met mentors and new friends, and engaged with the community. Many of you studied abroad; others participated in student clubs and organizations, and attended campus events to broaden your college experience. These experiences and your new degree will not only benefit you in your future careers, but will help to increase the region's overall educational attainment, enhance its quality of life and support its needs and economic development. I know that each and every one of you will transform our world in rich and powerful ways, and will harness the power of your education to do so. Wherever your life takes you, remember that you are a Coyote through and through.
Today, you have proven that Coyotes do define the future-always have, and always will. Thank you for bringing honor to our institution and being an inspiration to our campus community. I wish you the very best as you step forward on to the next great stage of your lives. >> Hi, I am Lawrence Rose, Dean of THE Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration. On behalf of the faculty and staff of the Jack H. Brown College, I want to extend
by sincerest congratulations to our new graduates. Our College has a long record of innovation and creativity as we continue to define the future through our distinguished programs and Centers of Excellence. It is my pleasure to share with you a few of the current innovations and program changes being undertaken. During the Fall 2020 semester, the School of Entrepreneurship was launched as the first of its kind in California. This unique school, one of less than 15 existing worldwide, will boost the university's already highly successful entrepreneurship program.
The newly launched Masters in Entrepreneurship and Innovation is housed in this School. The National Security Agency has chosen Cal State San Bernardino to be a leader of its core workforce development initiative, selecting it for a $10.5 million grant and naming the Cybersecurity Center as the Community National Center for Cybersecurity Education.
The Department of Accounting and Finance renewed a contract for 10 years with Citizens Business Bank to provide funds to our Student Managed Investment Fund. Students gain stock market experience by actively trading $100,000 of real money. The newly established Hospitality Management Program at our Palm Desert Campus launched a Hospitality Management Club this year.
The Club hosts guest speakers as mentor models and serves as a networking opportunity to introduce internship and career pathways in the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire. Our Office of Academic Equity, continues to analyze the past, question the present and strategize to shape the future as we develop an inclusive environment where all individuals within our College may flourish. A popular event hosted by the Office is the production of a series of videos, called the "Voice", where our students share views about their educational experiences and needs. So, congratulations graduates! Carpe diem-- seize the day and make your lives extraordinary! You are the future of Cal State San Bernardino, the future hope of our region and nation. You are the individuals who will impact business, public administration and the communities where you live as you use your education to overcome challenges facing you. Please accept all my best.
>> We are now ready for the conferral of degrees. Let me first say, during each conferral, I will be asking the candidates who are able to stand to do so. You may wonder, "Why should I stand during a virtual ceremony?" Because doing so makes a statement. It signifies your commitment to yourself and to your goals. It is also a sign of respect, both for those who have always stood up for you as well as for your fellow graduates - and yourself - on the successful completion of your journey. >> Will the candidates for the Master's degree please stand if you are able.
Upon the recommendation of the faculty of California State University, San Bernardino and by the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of the California State University, I hereby confer upon those of you who have completed the requirements, the Master's Degree. [Music] >> Will the candidates for the Bachelor's Degree please stand if you are able. Upon the recommendation of the faculty of California State University, San Bernardino and by the authority vested in me by the Board of Trustees of the California State University, I hereby confer upon those of you who have completed the requirements, the Bachelor's Degree. Graduates, please move your tassel from right to left. This signifies you are part of the select group of university-educated individuals. [Music] >> Congratulations graduates! You now join the ranks of more than 100,000 proud CSUSB alumni.
From this day forward, you will determine your own life's path by the decisions you make and actions you take. In doing so, you will also help define the future of this university, enriching its legacy and, in turn, furthering the value of a CSUSB degree - YOUR degree. Family, friends, colleagues and community members, on behalf of California State University, San Bernardino, it is my honor to present to you the Class of 2021. [Music]
2021-05-24 10:36
