College of Information, Data and Society

Jennifer Emery,

Jennifer Emery is a 2026 graduate with a Master of Library and Information Science and a Certificate in Digital Assets Management. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication with a concentration in narrative and performance and an emphasis in creative writing from California State University, Northridge. With more than 20 years of experience as a commercial photographer, she has also served as an adjunct photography instructor and is the author of two published instructional photography books. Her diverse professional background includes seven years as a forensic crime scene photographer for the Los Angeles Police Department. She currently works as a video producer and audio-visual technician for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, combining visual storytelling, technical expertise and media production. In addition to her professional work behind the camera, audiences may recognize her from acting roles in television and film from years past.

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 Information, Data and Society are lemon yellow (School of Information) and orange (Data Analytics).

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!