Processional
Student Banner Bearers
- Maile Gillis, ’25 Justice Studies
- Chima Nwokolo, ’25 Political Science
Announcement of the Commencement
Saugher Nojan, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences and Asian American Studies
National Anthem
Rachel Nelson, ’25 Vocal Performance, Music Education
Welcome
Anne Marie Todd, Dean, College of Social Sciences
Presiding
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Commencement Address
Honorable Judge Robert Rigsby, ’83 Criminal Justice Administration
Presentation of Candidates
Vincent J. Del Casino Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferring of Degrees
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Alma Mater
Rachel Nelson, ’25 Vocal Performance, Music Education
“Hail, Spartans, Hail”
Recessional
Honorable Judge Robert R. Rigsby, Associate Judge District of Columbia Superior Court
Judge Robert R. Rigsby began his journey at San José State on an ROTC and Educational Opportunity Program scholarship, developing the resilience and dedication that would define his distinguished career. With more than 30 years of military service, he became the first sitting judge from the District of Columbia — and the first military judge in the U.S. Army — to deploy full-time to an active war zone. He served as attorney general for the District of Columbia, and his dedication to justice led to his unanimous confirmation as an associate judge of the D.C. Superior Court. A tireless advocate for equity, youth development and legal education throughout his career, Judge Rigsby recently established the Judge Robert Ray Rigsby Law and Social Justice Scholarship at SJSU. A true embodiment of the Spartan legacy, his significant contributions to the legal profession, military service and community empowerment have left an indelible mark on society.
Regalia
Commencement exercises like today’s ceremony date from the Middle Ages and the traditions of Europe’s first universities. Our graduates and members of the platform party are wearing regalia — robes, hoods and caps — that are likely adapted from the clothing of medieval priests or friars. Spot the differences in the gowns:
- Presidential gown is adorned with four bars, representing the Office of the President.
- Doctoral gown has velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars on each of the bell-shaped sleeves. The color of the velvet may indicate the academic discipline.
- Master’s gown may be worn open and has long sleeves with slits above the elbow.
- Bachelor’s gown has a closed front and long, pointed sleeves.
Draped over the shoulders, the hood evolved from a priest’s cowl and was often used to carry items — the first backpack, perhaps. The lining colors signify the college or university granting the degree. At San José State, the hood is gold, blue and white. The monk’s skullcap became the mortarboard cap or tam. Black is the accepted cap color in the United States, but many foreign universities have colorful headdresses.
Tassels vary in use and color. At SJSU, the color of tassels for bachelor’s degree candidates represent each college. The color for the College of Social Sciences is cream.
The Ceremonial Mace
An ornamental staff or scepter, the mace is carried by officials as part of formal parliamentary or academic ceremonies. A gift from the Tower Foundation of SJSU, the university’s ceremonial mace was designed and created by Art and Art History Lecturer Yvonne Escalante, ’13 MFA Spatial Arts . She found inspiration for the design in both SJSU history and the paths students take to reach graduation.