She said coming back to campus two years after finishing her studies was a surreal experience. “In many cases, balancing work, family and community obligations while weathering a global pandemic.”Īmong the graduates at the morning ceremony was Perla Colin, who graduated in 2020 with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and communication studies. “You have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to your academic success,” she said. “We have missed you,” she said.īeck led a round of applause for families and friends gathered in the bleachers around the University Library lawn and praised the graduates for their talent and dedication. Beck welcomed the graduates back to campus. The morning ceremony opened with a land acknowledgement and video greeting from leaders of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians, offering their congratulations and blessings. The university’s first two Commencement ceremonies of the spring were reserved for students who graduated in fall 2019, spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021 and summer 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic kept everyone home. William Watkins, CSUN’s vice president for student affairs and dean of students, greeted thousands of Matadors with this warm welcome in front of the University Library on Friday, May 20.

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