It is not going to be easy, but if anyone can do it, President Robert Maxson can.
His goal: to shake the hand of every graduating senior attending this year's ceremonies. With approximately 6,000 students cleared to graduate, there is no doubt that he will be busy.
Maxson plans to be on campus and ready to greet the first graduates and their families as they approach the Cal State Long Beach Central Quad.
Maxson will also give opening and closing remarks at each of the nine ceremonies.
Maxson said the day of the graduation ceremonies is his favorite of the year.
"It's the greatest day in the life of the university," he said. "I don't think graduation is as good anywhere else in the country as it is here."
This year marks Maxson's fourth graduation ceremony at CSULB.
Maxson prefers September through June when CSULB is stirring with activity. Even though 10,000 students attend summer school here, it is uneventful in comparison to the fall and spring semesters.
"I enjoy all the night and weekend activities during the regular
semesters," Maxson said referring to sports, plays and concerts. "I
really like the hustle and bustle of the school year."