Names of Note: Stanislaus State sends off 3,436 grads who endured pandemic and more
Stanislaus State University graduated 3,436 students and honored two hometown philanthropists in late May.
The four commencements were the largest such gatherings since 2019 at the Turlock campus. COVID-19 suspended the 2020 versions. They were eventually held alongside the Class of 2021 ceremonies, with a limit of two guests per graduate.
Classes of 2020 through 2022 did much of their learning online as the pandemic wore on.
“The events we’ve experienced over the last couple of years certainly demonstrate how unpredictable this world can be,” said Jose Santos, the student speaker for the College of Science commencement.
“We have all struggled to find our path through these experiences,” said Santos, who earned a bachelors degree in psychology. “Although difficult, I want everyone to remember where that struggle has led you.”
‘A fish out of water’
Katrina Thomas-Grey spoke of living with multiple sclerosis in her speech for the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. She is a military veteran, wife and mother of four with a fresh bachelors degree in criminal justice.
“I felt like a fish out of water because I hadn’t been in school for 20 years,” Thomas-Grey said. “... Today we are leaving Stan State with our heads held high because we all had the will. Even when times got tough, we found our inner strength.”
Kayla Lindquist was the student speaker for the College of Business Administration.
“Graduation is validation that we have come, conquered and showed up for ourselves every step of the way,” she said. “We may not know exactly where we’re headed, but we know with a diploma in our hand, we have the potential to make something amazing of ourselves.”
Student speaker Rabia Qaiser received a masters in social work from the College of Education, Kinesiology and Social Work.
“Success does not come easy, and we will hit roadblocks throughout our life,” she said. “But it’s important that we maintain the strength to continue to endure life’s challenges, maintain hope and find the courage to get back up and work toward our success.”
Ferraris get honorary doctorate
John and Jeani Ferrari received the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters during the commencement for the College of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
The couple has given to the university, the Carnegie Arts Center, the Turlock Public Library, a service center for homeless people and many other causes. They also have advocated for farmland preservation.
Jeani Ferrari told the audience of her own experience as a Stan State student.
“I’m grateful there was a university in my community,” she said. “It allowed me to advance my education and my interest in the arts. The small campus I attended had a library building and a classroom building. Today, Stan State is a highly ranked university with more than 10,000 students and this rural community is a college town.”
Complete videos of all four commencements are on the YouTube page for Stan State.
Names of Note recognizes people and organizations for their contribution to their communities. Submit items to jholland@modbee.com.
This story was originally published June 5, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
