A few minutes before 1 p.m. on May 17, Taylor Carrillo, B.A. Philosophy, and Lillian Hammerstrom, B.A. Spanish and Political Science, lined up as the 2024 Commencement Standard Bearers to lead the College of Arts and Humanities graduation procession. The student jazz ensemble, directed by Assistant Professor Richard Lloyd Giddens, began their smooth rendition of Pomp and Circumstance, an Edward Elgar and Tim Shaghoian arrangement, as the standard bearers stepped forward.
About 500 Arts and Humanities graduates emerged from the cavernous main floor of the Save Mart Center. Many excitedly looked up to find their loved ones in the audience and waved as they found their seats with their cohort. Faculty followed, walking through the students to the front rows.
Graduate student Abigail Cano began the ceremony with the national anthem, and Dr. Honora Chapman, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, delivered her welcoming comments.
“We are going to have a little Latin lesson right now because on the seal of the university is a very important Latin phrase. It reads, ‘LVCEM ACCIPE VT REDDAS,’ which means ‘Receive the light, so you may give back,’” Chapman said. “This is the guiding principle of our university.”
She encouraged the graduates to go forth with their degrees and to share their light with the community and beyond.
Karen Carrillo, Associated Students Inc. (ASI) president, followed with her address.
“Throughout your time at Fresno State, you have been provided the opportunity to showcase human creativity, expression and thought. From the stroke of a paintbrush to an effective dialog to reflecting on history, you have explored the depths of human experience and imagination,” said Carrillo. “Today marks not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities and boundless opportunities.”
Dr. Saul Jiménez-Sandoval, president of California State University, Fresno, took a selfie on stage with the students before walking to the podium.
“To the humanist, your writing skills, critical thinking and storytelling is as ancient as humanity itself. In the humanist, I see the genesis of thought, ideas for our society and stories that create bridges of common understanding about our shared humanity,” said Jiménez-Sandoval. “To the artist, your artistic interpretation of the world moves us to know each other better intrinsically, deeply. Your movements become emotion, your brushstrokes become images that forge community, your hands create symbols and shapes that educate and nurture, your creative power of song and music commemorates and sacralizes important moments in our lives.”
“As a college, you artists and humanists together influence and inspire each other in the creation of thought and art. We collectively are deeply proud of you.”
California State University Trustee Diego Arambula introduced the Honorary Doctorate Degree to Lilia González Chávez, Executive Director of the Fresno Arts Council and Arts and Humanities Advisory Board (AHAB) member.
“She has been a courageous leader promoting the power of the arts here in Fresno, across the Central Valley and across our great state,” said Arambula. “She has been a champion for promoting young artists, and she has helped to support a more diverse and vibrant arts culture.”
After being hooded by President Jiménez-Sandoval, González Chávez spoke about the power of art and the importance of giving back to the community.
“When our community was insulted by members of the county board of supervisors who called us hungry vultures because we dared to want potable water, my mother painted a huge beautiful vulture. That was the banner that brought the community together to storm the Hall of Records and successfully win the right to form a water district. It was then I learned the power of art,” said Dr. González Chávez. “As I stand before you with this unique opportunity to add Doctor of Fine Arts to my name, I am reminded that in this life, we are not called to be alone or perfect. Instead, our shortcomings and our frailty draw us to others who complement and strengthen us, and if we lean in together, we can achieve a greater good for us all.”
Chapman presented the Dean’s Medalists: Hermelinda Hernandez Monjaras, graduate, with an M.F.A. in Creative Writing, poetry and Sofia James, undergraduate, with a B.A. in Theatre Arts with a design/technology emphasis. The Dean’s Medalists were initially announced in April at the Arts in Motion event, which recognized all of the students of distinction.
Chapman also acknowledged Bianca Palma, B.A. in Communication, who is the Dean’s Undergraduate Medalist for the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. Finally, Chapman presented the Outstanding Graduate Project Award winner Luis Gallegas Castañeda and acknowledged the College of Arts and Humanities Honors Program scholars.
Approximately 500 students crossed the stage and received their diplomas in 2024. Linguistics faculty Dr. Brian Agbayani and Dr. Jaydene Elvin read the names as Chapman and Jiménez-Sandoval congratulated each graduate.
In their commencement regalia, graduates Clinton Boone, Abigail Cano, Gena Chambers and Alexandra Cota sang the Alma Mater accompanied by Giddens’ jazz ensemble. The ensemble continued to play during the recessional as recent graduates climbed the Save Mart Center stairs to be greeted by their families and loved ones – a fitting beginning to an exciting chapter in their lives.
The College of Arts and Humanities congratulates all of this year’s graduates!
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 