Cal State Long Beach Will See 70,000 Attendees for 8,600 Degrees by Friday

Nine graduation ceremonies will be held at California State University, Long Beach starting Wednesday and continuing until Friday, with 8,600 degrees bestowed upon 2012-13 students.

The university reports that about 70,000 guests of graduates are expected on campus over the three days.

“Commencement is the highlight of the academic year as we recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of our graduating students and the faculty and staff who have helped them achieve their goals,” said CSULB President F. King Alexander.  “We are confident that these students are leaving Cal State Long Beach with the tools and capabilities they need to succeed. 

“This year’s ceremonies will be bittersweet for me as this is my last time presiding overcommencement at Cal State Long Beach,” said Alexander, who in July will begin his new position as president and chancellor with the Louisiana State University system.  “Still, I am looking forward to having the opportunity to shake the hand of every 2013 CSULB graduate and wish them success.” 

Read On For Commencement schedules and other parking tips and information, from the university's communications staff:

Held in the campus’ Central Quadrangle, Commencement 2013 begins Wednesday, May 22, with graduates from the College of Health and Human Services being recognized in two separate ceremonies -- one at 9 a.m. and the other at 1 p.m.  College of Business Administration graduates will follow and have their names called in a 5 p.m. ceremony. On Thursday, May 24, the College of Liberal Arts will host two ceremonies, the first beginning at 9 a.m. and the second at 1 p.m.  The College of Education, which includes the Liberal Studies Program and credential  students, will close out the second day with a 5 p.m. ceremony for its graduates. On the final day, Friday, May 25, the College of the Arts will recognize its graduates in a 9 a.m. ceremony.  Graduates from the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will follow at 1 p.m., and the College of Engineering will close out the campus’ graduationfestivities with a 5 p.m. ceremony. After each ceremony, graduates and guests are invited to attend a one-hour reception hosted by their respective colleges on the terrace level of the University Student Union.  Refreshments and music will be provided. Free parking is available for commencement guests in Lots 11, 12, 14, 16, 17 and 18 at the north end of the campus as well as Parking Structures I, II or III.  Courtesy shuttles will be available to transport guests to the Central Quad area. Visitors may enter the campus from Atherton Street, Bellflower Boulevard or 7th Street.  Before parking, drivers may drop off passengers at the west turnaround near Brotman Hall or the east turnaround by the CSULB Foundation Building.  Parking for the disabled may be arranged by calling Parking Administration at 562/985-4146.  Guests with other special needs should contact Disabled Student Services at 562/985-5401. For more information on individual commencement ceremonies, call the commencementcoordinator for the desired college ceremony: Arts—Bethany Price, 562/985-4364; Business Administration—Margaret  Williams, 562/985-5307; Education (including Liberal Studies)—Kristina Hancock, 562/985-4513; Engineering—Kim Truesdelle, 562/985-8032; Health and Human Services—Sharon Cruz, 562/985-4691; Liberal Arts—Valerie Christian,562/985-5384; and Natural Sciences and Mathematics—Margaret Karteron, 562/985-4265. For general information about Commencement 2013, visit the graduation website or call Barbara Hall in the CSULB Academic Events Office at 562/985-2351.