By Cynthia Hubert

December 16, 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic robbed many Sacramento State graduates of the thrill of walking across the stage at Golden 1 Center and publicly celebrating their academic achievements.

On Dec. 14, graduates of the Classes of 2020 and 2021 finally got that opportunity, as Sac State resumed Winter Commencement for the first time since 2017. After the Class of 2024 accepted their diplomas in two ceremonies, graduates of the COVID-era classes took part in the Graduation Rewind Celebration.

“Many of you had been dreaming of the moment you would walk across this stage at graduation, only to see that moment slip away” after the campus shut down in March 2020, said Sac State President Luke Wood. “We wanted to make sure that we had the opportunity to celebrate all of you.”

President Emeritus Robert S. Nelsen, who shepherded the University through the pandemic, traveled from Texas to congratulate more than 600 graduates who took part in the ceremony. He reminded them about the loneliness and isolation during that period, the Zoom sessions that replaced classroom studies, and the losses of family and friends to the pandemic.

“COVID took something from each of us,” Nelsen said. “Each and every one of you is a miracle, because you kicked that bug’s butt, and you graduated from Sac State.”

Because of pandemic safety precautions, the Class of 2020 was forced to celebrate Commencement virtually. A year later, they and those in the Class of 2021 were invited to “CARmencement,” a unique, drive-thru Commencement ceremony during which graduates and their loved ones participated in a celebratory vehicle parade through campus.

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During the Graduation Rewind Celebration, a special video celebrated the resilience of the Class of 2020 and 2021. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, they persevered through remote learning and never gave up on their dreams.

 

Yisela Castillo, who graduated in 2020, said she was upset and felt cheated when she lost her chance to walk at Commencement with her class.

“We graduated, but we didn’t really feel like we graduated,” said Castillo, who earned a degree in Child Development.

Spencer Struve, also from the Class of 2020, expressed similar sentiments.

“I had a lot of school spirit that I wanted to express, but I couldn’t do it,” he said. “There was no payoff.”

Graduation Rewind provided their moment in the spotlight.

“I feel great,” Castillo said, “accomplished, excited.”

“And nervous, a little bit,” her friend Janice Phanthai said.

Lillian Murphy, who graduated in 2020 and received the President’s Medal for outstanding academic achievement that year, called the COVID graduates remarkable.

“It’s especially meaningful that we recognize the long journey it took all of us to get to this moment,” Murphy said.

In two earlier Commencement ceremonies Dec. 14, more than 3,000 graduates and their families battled strong winds and driving rain on their way to Golden 1 Center.

• See photos from Winter Commencement 2024

Carla Martinez, who graduated in May with a degree in Early Childhood Education, is looking forward to a career as an elementary school teacher.

"I can’t believe that after 5 1/2 years I’m finally here. I’m just thankful for everything. Thankful for my family, because they are the ones who have always pushed me, through the pandemic and everything else. I want to thank God. It just feels so unreal right now.”

-- Alvaro Cruz Jr., Psychology graduate 

Martinez brushed aside concerns about the inclement weather.

“It’s always been my dream to be a teacher, so it’s well worth it,” she said.

Psychology graduate Alvaro Cruz Jr. was filled with gratitude on Saturday as he waited for his turn to cross the stage and accept his diploma.

“I can’t believe that after 5 1/2 years I’m finally here,” he said as he sat among his fellow graduates.

“I’m just thankful for everything.,” Cruz said. “Thankful for my family, because they are the ones who have always pushed me, through the pandemic and everything else. I want to thank God. It just feels so unreal right now.”

Associated Students Inc. President Nataly Andrade-Dominguez spoke of strength and resilience during her address.

“You’ve turned challenges into character, and late nights into your journeys,” she said. “You’ve learned that success isn’t just about reaching a goal, it’s about the growth and the people who lifted you along the way.”

Many graduates wore mortar boards decorated with personal sentiments.

“I did it 4 my mom,” one read.

“Psyched to be a teacher.”

“I call the shots now.”

Some members of the 2020 and 2021 class wore mortar boards identifying themselves as COVID-19 survivors.

President Wood offered advice to all the graduates.

“Lead,” he said. “Leadership begins here and now. It’s your time. Take over.

“Never stop working to make this world the place you want it to be.”

Jennifer K. Morita and Daniel Wilson contributed to this report.