Processional
Student Banner Bearers
- Sabrina Richter, ‘24 Chemistry
- Ashley Ton, ‘24 Biological Sciences
Announcement of the Commencement
Walter Adams, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences
National Anthem
Nayeli Roman, ’24 Radio-Television-Film
Welcome
Michael Kaufman, Dean, College of Science
Presiding
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President
Congratulations from the SJSU Alumni Association
Chrissy Chang, ’95 BS, ’97 MSc Human Factors and Ergonomics. Member, Alumni Association Board of Directors
Outstanding Graduating Senior
Kadin Si Tang, ‘24 Computer Science
Presentation of Candidates
Marc D’Alarcao, Dean, College of Graduate Programs
Michael Kaufman, Dean, College of Science
Conferring of Degrees
Cynthia Teniente-Matson, SJSU 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 tassel color for the College Sciences is gold and the tassel color for 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. She found inspiration for the design in both SJSU history and the paths students take to reach graduation.