Processional
Student Banner Bearers
- Fernando Sánchez López, ’25 Computer Engineering
- Kidus Alemu, ’25 Mechanical Engineering
Announcement of the Commencement
Carlos Rojas, Assistant Professor of Computer Engineering
National Anthem
Rachel Nelson, ’25 Music Education, Vocal Performance
Welcome
Sheryl Ehrman, Don Beall Dean, Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering
Presiding
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Commencement Address
Sameer Saran, ’18 Computer Engineering, Founder and CEO of ParkStash
Presentation of Candidates
Vincent J. Del Casino Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Conferring of Degrees
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Alma Mater
Rachel Nelson, ’25 Music Education, Vocal Performance
“Hail, Spartans, Hail”
Recessional
Sameer Saran, ’18 MS Computer Engineering
Sameer Saran is a tech entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of ParkStash, a parking technology company he bootstrapped right after earning his master’s degree in computer engineering from San José State University in 2018. Originally from India, Saran came to the U.S. in 2016 as an international student and built ParkStash from the ground up — handling product, sales and operations with a lean team. Today, ParkStash’s parking technology supports real estate clients nationwide and partners with billion-dollar companies to deliver real value. Saran’s journey reflects a deep belief in building practical solutions, staying adaptable, and creating impact through focused execution. Read more about his journey.
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 Davidson College of Engineering is orange.
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.