Connie L. Lurie College of Education

Councilwoman Pamela Campos

Pamela Campos, ’17 Child and Adolescent Development, Spanish, is the youngest woman to serve on San José City Council, elected in 2024 to represent District 2. The proud daughter of immigrants and the eldest of four daughters, Campos worked as a preschool teacher and later at the Low Income Investment Fund to support economic opportunities for families. Her priorities as an elected official are rooted in support for early childhood education and expanding economic opportunities for families. She currently serves on San José's Neighborhood Services and Education Committee and the Transportation and Environment Committee. Campos is also a member of the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Executive Board and Housing Committee, as well as the Joint Metropolitan Transportation Committee ABAG Legislation Committee.

Sabrina Macias

Sabrina Macias is a graduate student receiving her Master of Science in speech language pathology. She is a dedicated and compassionate emerging speech language pathologist committed to serving diverse communities through culturally and linguistically appropriate care.  Macias began her journey here at SJSU in 2023, and spent her first year as a member of the SJSU Grupo Folklórico Luna y Sol. She participated in community events, spreading her love for her Mexican heritage through traditional dances. In her first year, she also became a member of the Connie L. Lurie College of Education Dean’s Office as a student assistant, demonstrating professionalism, leadership and a commitment to supporting student success.  During her graduate training, Macias provided speech and language services to a diverse population spanning from toddlers learning their first words, to adults regaining communication. These experiences have reinforced a deep commitment to ensuring that individuals and families receive services that value their cultural identities, languages and lived experiences.  In addition to clinical work, Macias’ graduate thesis explored perceptions of speech language therapy across generations within a single Mexican-American family. This research highlighted how cultural values, traditions and past experiences shape attitudes toward healthcare services, further strengthening her commitment to making speech language services more accessible, relevant and impactful for all. Outside of academics, Macias enjoys spending time with loved ones and going on long walks. After graduation, she will begin her clinical fellowship working with community members to overcome their communication barriers.

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 Tassel color for the Connie L. Lurie College of Education is light blue.

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!