Processional
Student Banner Bearers
- Victoria Mendoza, ’25 Public Health
- Diana Gamino, ‘25 Public Health
Announcement of the Commencement
Matthew Masucci, Associate Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
National Anthem
Mark Gomez, ‘27 Vocal Performance
Welcome
Matthew Masucci, Associate Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
Presiding
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, SJSU President
Student Commencement Speaker
Angela Chochon, ’25 Kinesiology
Presentation of Candidates
Vincent J. Del Casino Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferring of Degrees
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, SJSU President
Alma Mater
“Hail, Spartans, Hail”
Mark Gomez, ‘27 Vocal Performance
Recessional
Student Speaker
Angela Chochon, ’25 Kinesiology
Angela Chochon is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the College of Health and Human Sciences with a minor in Business. Her favorite classes at San José State University were in biomechanics and assessment of movement, where she enjoyed exploring how small changes can influence performance. Angela also worked as both a physical therapy aide and a personal trainer, supporting individuals in rehabilitation, strength training, and long-term health goals. These experiences strengthened her appreciation for the college’s mission to improve health and well-being across individuals and communities. She values how her time at SJSU encouraged curiosity, collaboration, and a commitment to helping others grow. Outside the classroom and workplace, she made time for powerlifting, backpacking, skiing, and biking, activities that reflect her love for movement and the outdoors. As a Bay Area local, Angela has been grateful to learn and grow in the same community that shaped her. Angela is honored to speak at the CHHS Class of 2025 graduation and is grateful for the professors, classmates, and mentors who made her time at SJSU both meaningful and memorable.
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 Health and Human Sciences is olive green.
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 (right photo). She found inspiration for the design in both SJSU history and the paths students take to reach graduation.