Processional
Student Banner Bearers
- Victoria Mari Rioflorido, ’25 MS Occupational Therapy
- Andre Crabajales, ’25 Kinesiology
Announcement of the Commencement
Robin Whitney, Associate Professor of Nursing
National Anthem
Rachel Nelson, ’25 Vocal Performance, Music Education
Welcome
Audrey Shillington, Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
Presiding
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Student Commencement Speaker
Priya Dhillon, ’25 AuD
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
Rachel Nelson, ’25 Vocal Performance, Music Education
“Hail, Spartans, Hail”
Recessional
Student Speaker
Priya Dhillon
Priya Dhillon is proud to graduate with a doctor of audiology degree from San José State University, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey that began in Punjab, India, and led her to the Bay Area in 2013. As a first-generation college graduate, her path has been shaped by resilience, a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to providing accessible hearing healthcare.
Throughout her doctoral training, Dhillon completed her audiology residency at Kaiser Permanente in Santa Clara, delivering comprehensive care to both pediatric and adult populations. She also contributed as a research assistant in the Auditory Cognitive
Neuroscience Lab at SJSU under the guidance of Dr. Anusha Yellamsetty. A dedicated student leader, Dhillon represented SJSU at the California Academy of Audiology (CAA) and served as president of the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) at SJSU.
Her dissertation, “Investigating the Link Between COVID-19 and Tinnitus,” was defended before the doctor of audiology department and was later selected for presentation at the CAA 2024
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.