CHICO — The graduating class of Chico State moved their tassels to the left at Chico State’s 134th commencement — and for some, it’s their first time doing so.
Five hundred seven undergraduates from the College of Communication and Education walked the stage at Thursday’s ceremony. A total of about 2,800 undergraduate and 400 graduate students will graduate this year.
For graduating students like Kinesiology major Cameron Belton, Thursday’s ceremony was their first time ever walking the stage, having graduated high school during pandemic lockdowns in 2020.
“All my schooling so far has led to this moment,” Belton said. “Once I cross that stage, it’s all done.”
The Chico college scene — a university in the heart of downtown — is what many graduates will miss, including Belton, who said his favorite time here was socializing during Cesar Chavez weekend.
“Those weekends you’d see a lot of people in your classes that don’t usually go out, and you get to connect with them outside of class. That’s cool and I think that’s what Chico’s all about — connecting with peers,” Belton said.
Media arts major Sophia Aujero spoke to her graduating class, congratulating people who made it through school with challenges like lockdowns; being a first generation student; changing majors; returning to school.
The Chico State graduating class of 2024 celebrates with arms in the air and caps in the sky Thursday, May 17, 2024 at University Stadium in Chico, California. (Michael Weber/Enterprise-Record)
“When you drive up to Chico, it’s almost like a small town you stop along the way you’re going. But after being here for some time, I think we can all agree, it’s a bit more than that,” Aujero said.
“It’s studying late at Meriam Library; hiking in upper Bidwell; swimming in Bear Hole; grabbing a coffee at the BMU; eating at the Bear; walking downtown for Thursday Night Markets; risking your life taking the Tehama elevator and hanging out with friends at Riley’s.”
Abraham Trujillo, majoring in Recreation, Hospitality and Parks Management, said he appreciates his time at Chico State being an event coordinator during which he put together drag shows.
“If I were to decorate my grad cap, it would say thank you to the boy who never stopped dreaming,” Trujillo said.
Liberal studies major Sara Heck said she will be walking on stage for the first time because she had a virtual graduation during pandemic lockdowns.
“This is new for me. I’m glad to be around people from school; it’s really fun to see people dressed up,” Heck said. Her advice to future students: “Go follow your dreams and do whatever you feel is right for you.”
The ceremony was the first opportunity for university President Steve Perez to address a graduating class in his official capacity.
“It’s an occasion we all get to celebrate and honor our students for their accomplishments … it signifies the end of their academic journey and a beginning of a new adventure. One that can include almost anything — it can include anything that you want,” Perez said. “But you’ll always be a Wildcat.”
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