More than 1200 graduates and their families filled Angel Stadium on May 15, to celebrate the College of Engineering Commencement. 

"To every one of you in the class of 2023, congratulations on a job well done," Dean Jinny Rhee began her opening remarks. "The fact that you are here, ready to receive your diplomas, speaks to your hard work, determination and commitment. You've weathered the challenges and not only earning a degree in one of the most difficult academic fields, but did so while emerging from a pandemic." 

This year's commencement speaker was Said Hilal '72, '76, founder of Applied Medical, one of the leading medical device manufacturers in the world.

"Most commencement speeches aren't memorable, and I'm certainly at peace with that," joked Hilal. "But do remember your alma mater, do remember that it is doing great work and it needs our support to continue to do so."

Hilal earned honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at the ceremony, for his successful career and continued passion for giving back to the CSULB community. During his speech he noted that science is conclusive that we are hardwired to have a sense of belonging and purpose, two factors that drive engineers:

"These two elements helped our ancestors defend and protect, and then invent— A primitive club innovated into a spear and then into archery, fire tamed, metals forged, horses domesticated," said Hilal. "Nature sided with those who cooperated and innovated, and homo sapiens innovated their way to the moon."

Congratulations to all of our newest alumni, GO BEACH!