College of Social Sciences San José State University

Student Speaker

Richard Hernandez

Richard Lee Hernandez, Jr (he/him/his) is a proud first-generation, queer, Latino graduate student completing his MA in communication studies at San José State University. He also earned his BA in communication studies from SJSU in 2021. His focus areas are critical intercultural communication, queer communication pedagogies, media studies and interpersonal communication.

Born in San José and raised in Modesto, Hernandez returned to the Bay Area in 2007 and now calls it home. He currently works two full-time jobs — one as a community engagement specialist, and the other as a devoted fur dad to his best pal, Benni. He finds joy and grounding through live music, storytelling, mentoring and time in nature.

Hernandez was recently named a semifinalist in the 2025 Grad Slam Research Competition for his work addressing how microaggressions affect queer and nonconforming students in educational environments. His research explores how language, gender norms and classroom culture shape students’ sense of belonging, and how educators can use communication strategies to foster more inclusive and equitable learning spaces.

As both a scholar and storyteller, Hernandez is passionate about using communication to challenge dominant narratives and amplify marginalized voices. His journey reflects not only academic rigor, but also a deep commitment to empathy, authenticity and the shared human experience. Read more of his story on the SJSU NewsCenter.

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 colors 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.

Hail, Spartans, Hail!

Hail, Spartans, Hail! — Hail, gold, blue and white!

We pledge our hearts and hands to keep thy colors ever bright.

Forward we go! We will not fail!

Sing to our Alma Mater,

Hail! Hail! Hail!