May 24, 2018 - Thank you for a successful commencement weekend

To: Campus Community

From: President Gayle E. Hutchinson

Well done!

I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your contributions to the success of our 2018 Commencement ceremonies. Over four days, we held seven ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of more than 4,000 students. We welcomed thousands of family members and friends to our beautiful campus. 

It takes a multitude of dedicated individuals to successfully execute such an event. Staff, faculty, and dozens of volunteers filled vital roles ranging from information booth attendant and student marshal to platform party member and stage manager and stadium setup crew to videographer. You helped create meaningful and memorable ceremonies, which are likely to be among the most important occasions in the lives of our graduates and their guests.

The speeches were inspirational. We had glorious weather. The events were well attended, and graduates largely embraced our campaign to “Graduate then Celebrate” and stay in their seats until the end of the ceremony. I want to specifically acknowledge the work of Stephen Cummins, his leadership team, University Public Events, faculty members who participated in the ceremony, deans and Cabinet who comprised the platform party, the individuals who set up the stage and seating and readied our campus for thousands of visitors, and many other volunteers. Commencement is a logistical challenge of great magnitude. It is more than recognition of the completion of degree, it is pomp and circumstance, celebration and family. It reminds us why we do the work that we do.

Together, we gave our graduates an extraordinary send-off to make the world a better place, while also reminding them that Chico will always be their home. Chico State will always be family.

Thank you for being part of it and for your tremendous commitment and service.