Commencement 1999 celebrated in Long Beach
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By Myrna
L. Aguilar
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On-Line Forty-Niner
It is the day most college students look forward
to. The day that motivates them to go to those classes, write those term
papers and study for those finals. The day when families and friends gather
to see their loved ones be recognized as they walk across a stage in front
of thousands of on-lookers. It is graduation day.
This year Cal State Long Beach celebrated
its 50th anniversary and commencement ceremonies.
The university's 6,000 graduates participated
in separate ceremonies held Wednesday through Friday of last week. Approximately
45,000 to 50,000 guests were expected to attend, said Barbara Hall, assistant
commencement coordinator.
At the first ceremony for the College of
Liberal Arts on Thursday, graduates were showered with confetti while making
their entrance. Others made their own statement by decorating their caps
with flags or wearing a cleverly designed necklace made of rolls of film.
Beach balls and bubbles floated in the cool breeze during part of the ceremony.
The dean of the College of Liberal Arts,
Dorothy Abrahamse and CSULB President Robert Maxson welcomed guests and
congratulated graduates on their achievements.
"Cal State Long Beach will always be a
part of you," Maxson said.
"I love this university and I want you
to have that same love, that same passion I feel for Long Beach State."
He also encouraged the future alumni to
be advocates for the university and to always protect it.
After each graduate's name was called,
President Maxson dedicated one of his favorite songs, Aaron Copland's "Fanfare
for the Common Man" to end the ceremony. |
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