Class of 2025 turns tassels at CSUMB commencement

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) – The CSUMB Class of 2025 has officially graduated!

Thousands of students from California State University, Monterey Bay walked across the stage this weekend, marking the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and resilience.

The atmosphere on campus was electric as families, friends, and faculty filled the stands to celebrate a milestone moment with their graduates.

"The emotions were high today," many mentioned how after years of hard work, it’s amazing to see everything come together, and they’re excited to be celebrating this moment with their friends and family."

The cheers echoed across campus as one by one, graduates crossed the stage and turned their tassels.

“I worked really hard for four years. I never thought I'd get this far, but to excel the way I did, I'm so proud of myself and proud of my peers,” one graduate said.

“All the hard work, all those four years, and then to have my moment crossing the stage, shaking the president's hand, I’d say it was worth it,” another graduate said.

For some, the day was a full circle moment shared with the classmates they began their journey alongside.

“I just remember seeing everyone's face and everyone looked so happy. I saw my friends in the crowd and thought, Wow, this is really coming to an end," one graduate said.

Others described the day as emotional and deeply rewarding.

“It was really emotional but really rewarding. I worked really hard to get this degree,” one graduate said.

Family support played a big role in the day’s significance, with some traveling from across the country to be there.

“To see my family here supporting me through all the challenges and things I went through, I think it was all worth it at the end, walking on stage,” one graduate said.

“I’m just very grateful to have so many friends and family and the community I made at CSUMB, and also the friends and family that have come to support me along the way,” another graduate said.

As tassels turned, attention shifted to what comes next. Some students are diving into further studies, while others are entering the workforce.

“I'm going back to Sacramento. I'm going to start studying at Sacramento State,” one graduate said.

“I want to focus more on my major computer science and just continue learning every day, improving as a person,” another graduate said.

For CSUMB President Vanya Quiñones, the class of 2025 represents more than just academic success.

“We know they're going to be successful. I know that they have shown resilience and hard work, so there is only the best in the future for them. So congratulations,” Quiñones said.