CSUB Winter Commencement Friday

Three hundred thirty-three students will participate in California State University, Bakersfield's second winter commencement Friday evening (Dec. 2) in the Icardo Center on the CSUB campus.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. with the procession beginning at 5:45 p.m. Degree recipients from the School of Business and Public Administration (56 bachelor's, seven master's), School of Education (32 bachelor's and credentials, 13 master's), School of Humanities and Social Sciences (212 bachelor's, two master's) and School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (10 bachelor's, one master's) will be honored during the ceremony.

Winter commencement was initiated because the June ceremonies had become increasingly large due to the growing number of graduates. The additional commencement also accommodates people who might not be able to participate in the June graduation because they are leaving the area.

"Students who have met the graduation requirements appreciate not having to wait until spring," said Soraya Coley, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Since each of the schools have individual commencement ceremonies in June, it's nice to come together in December for an all-university commencement."

Speaker for the second winter commencement is Jackie L. Fisher Sr., president of Antelope Valley College in Lancaster.

Fisher, who has strong ties to Bakersfield, has many years of experience in education as both a teacher and administrator. Prior to coming to AVC, he worked as the dean of instruction at Bakersfield College, moving to the position after teaching and serving as director of the college's Fire Technology Program for 11 years. Earlier in his career, he was employed by the Kern County Fire Department as a firefighter and eventually moved up to the rank of captain.

Fisher's educational background includes a doctorate in education management from the University of La Verne, a master's degree in counseling from CSUB, a bachelor's degree in physical education from CSU Fresno, and an associate of arts degree from BC.

Fisher is affiliated with a number of state and local professional organizations including the Antelope Valley Board of Trade, the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance and the Community College League of California. He also serves as a member of organizations such as Lancaster West Rotary, and the local American Cancer Society, YMCA, and United Way boards.

Those planning to attend winter commencement should enter the university on Roadrunner Drive off of Camino Media on the south side of campus.

Parking for guests is in Lot I, south of the Icardo Center. Roadrunner Drive will be closed to through traffic at the Icardo Center from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Parking for disabled visitors is available at the northern edge of Lot I, marked by signs. A disabled drop-off point is also at Lot I's northern edge.

Contacts:
Mike Stepanovich, (661) 654-2456, mstepanovich@csub.edu
Jaclyn Loveless, (661) 654-2138, jloveless@csub.edu