Processional
Student Banner Bearers
- Raquel Mendoza, ‘24 AuD
- Christina Olivo, ‘24 MSW
Announcement of the Commencement
Soma Sen, Professor, School of Social Work
National Anthem
Nayeli Roman, ’24 Radio-Television-Film
Welcome
Audrey Shillington, Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
Presiding
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Congratulations from the SJSU Alumni Association
Janikke Klem, ’97 Health Science, President, Alumni Association Board of Directors
Student Commencement Speaker
Margaret Randell, ‘24 MS Occupational Therapy
Presentation of Candidates
Marc D’Alarcao, Dean, College of Graduate Studies
Audrey Shillington, Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
Conferring of Degrees
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Alma Mater
Nayeli Roman, ’24 Radio-Television-Film
“Hail, Spartans, Hail”
Recessional
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.