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news
Commencement
2002...Let Us Begin A new And So We Begin the Rest of Our
Lives
Words and Photos
By Ken Hanson
Summer On-line Forty-Niner
Celebrities, masters
and bachelors all gathered May 29-31 for end-of-the-year commencement
ceremonies at Cal State Long Beach.
In addition to the 5,433 graduates in master's and bachelor's
programs, notable standouts were director Steven Spielberg
and Utah Jazz forward Byron Russell, both of whom had left
CSULB and returned to complete their degrees.
Spielberg completed his degree in secret after a 34-year hiatus
from CSULB. Russell, who had played three years for the 49er
basketball team, earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice
after a nine-year absence from his college career.
CSULB President Robert Maxson attended the three days of ceremonies
and Cal State University Chancellor Charles Reed was present
Friday May 31 to congratulate the new graduates at the College
of the Arts commencement ceremony.
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Adam Illard,
right, hugs a fellow graduate as they prepare themselves
for commencement ceremonies on May 30.
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Scott Anthony
Di Santo, left, clowns around while walking across
the platform.
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A
group of design graduates adorn their caps and gowns
with colorful flower leis prior to making their momentous
walk to shake hands with President Maxson as part
of the 59th annual commencement ceremony.
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Graduates
followed a large department banner, left, as
they enter the Central Quadrangle for graduation
ceremonies.
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Industrial
design graduate Gabriel Ortega, right, waves
to his friends and family as he crosses the
commencement platform May 31.
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Director Steven Spielberg, left, also earned
his bachelors degree in film and electronic
arts after dropping out of CSULB 34 years ago.
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Associated
Students Inc. President Wayne Stickney-Smith
watches as his gift to the graduating class
from the College of Natural Science and Mathematics
is bounced back toward the commencement platform.
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