California State University, Long Beach - class of 2020 - you did it!
After all the hours you devoted to classes, labs, field studies, activities, games, service work, internships, and homework, you have fulfilled a promise. It was likely a promise you made to yourself and others: You saw this day and you made it a reality. It took a lot of hard work - but you made it happen and you have much to be proud of!
Thanks to all of the family members, faculty, staff and friends who provided wisdom, love, caring, guidance, patience and support to our graduates.
Looking back over the course of our lives, even when we thought we were “traveling solo,” we often arrived at our destination because we were helped by others - people seen and unseen. I am sure the Class of 2020 is grateful to all of who lifted you up along the way.
Commencement is more than a completion of your studies: It’s an opportunity to begin the next step on our journey together. You are forever joined to this place and we will be here to help you connect to other alumni, on-campus opportunities, events, and more. “The Beach is for Life” is not just an alumni association slogan, but rather our aspiration to be educational, recreational, and networking resources for you throughout your careers.
Go out there and use the new ideas and tools you have developed here. Strengthen your community and build new ones that are compassionate, innovative, inclusive and respectful. Ensure that they are places of belonging, where everyone’s voice is heard, and their well-being is valued.
Continue to cultivate resilience. After all, it got you this far - pandemic or no pandemic. It takes a lot to obtain a college education, and you have shown that you are more than up to the task. That same drive and determination - even in the face of big challenges - will continue to carry you through the tough times and good times ahead.
Every university president delights in saying, “Congratulations and have every success!” to their school’s newly minted graduates. It is truly a joy to reflect on the people you are and to anticipate all that you will become.
And yes…Go Beach!